In a groundbreaking move, Blaise Metreweli has been named the first-ever female chief of the UK&rsquo;s Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, in its 116-year history.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the appointment, highlighting it as a strategic shift toward cyber intelligence. Metreweli, 47, currently serves as MI6&rsquo;s Director of Technology and Innovation and is widely respected for her work developing cutting-edge spy tech.
Nicknamed &ldquo;Q&rdquo; after the James Bond gadget-master, Metreweli will soon adopt the title &ldquo;C,&rdquo; reserved for the head of MI6 since its first chief, Sir Mansfield Cumming. She replaces Richard Moore, who is stepping down after five years.
&ldquo;I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my Service,&rdquo; Metreweli said in a brief public statement.
Starmer called the decision a &ldquo;historic appointment,&rdquo; stressing the need for strong leadership in a world increasingly threatened by digital warfare and international espionage.
Her appointment also reflects MI6&rsquo;s growing focus on cyber threats and the agency&rsquo;s commitment to becoming more transparent and diverse.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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MI6 Appoints First Woman Chief in 116-Year History

Tech expert Blaise Metreweli to lead UK spy agency MI6, marking a historic and strategic shift

MI6 Appoints First Woman Chief in 116-Year History

Tech expert Blaise Metreweli to lead UK spy agency MI6, marking a historic and strategic shift

June 16, 2025 | 11:24 IST