In a historic first for British intelligence, Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the next chief of MI6, becoming the first woman to lead the foreign intelligence service in its 116-year history.
Metreweli will succeed Sir Richard Moore later this year, taking on the prestigious role known by the codename “C”. Her appointment has been hailed by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as “historic,” at a time when the work of intelligence services is “more vital than ever.”
I am delighted to announce that Blaise Metreweli will succeed me as Chief of #MI6 on 1 October 2025. Blaise has had a distinguished career as an intelligence officer and leader. She possesses all the qualities to be an outstanding ‘C’. Read more here 🔽https://t.co/w2HJ8cj1xs
— Richard Moore (@ChiefMI6) June 15, 2025
Sir Richard Moore, who steps down in the autumn after five years, praised Metreweli as a “highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader.” Foreign Secretary David Lammy called her the “ideal” person to confront today’s global instability and emerging threats.
Who is Blaise Metreweli?
Metreweli, 47, has had a long and distinguished career in British intelligence since joining the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) in 1999. She currently holds the position of Director General “Q”, leading MI6’s technology and innovation division. This unit is responsible for protecting agents’ identities and developing tools to evade hostile surveillance, particularly from state actors like China, reports BBC.
She previously held senior positions in MI5 and has worked extensively across the Middle East and Europe. Metreweli studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge and was awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services to British foreign policy in 2024.
What will Metreweli do as MI6 chief?
MI6, officially known as the Secret Intelligence Service, is tasked with gathering intelligence from overseas to protect UK national security. Its core missions include countering terrorism, neutralising threats from hostile states, and advancing cyber-security.
The chief of MI6, or “C”, reports directly to the foreign secretary and is part of the Joint Intelligence Committee, which advises the prime minister on critical security matters. Metreweli will now play a key role in shaping Britain’s global intelligence strategy.
Metreweli’s expertise in innovation and digital technology is expected to be central to her leadership. “MI6 plays a vital role with MI5 and GCHQ in keeping the British people safe and promoting UK interests overseas,” she said. “I look forward to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents of MI6 and our many international partners.”
In previous interviews, she has spoken candidly about threats to national security, including cyberattacks, state-sponsored espionage, and economic subversion. She has warned that China’s rapid rise presents “both amazing opportunities and threats,” while also underlining that “Russian state activity remains a serious threat.”
Codename “C”
The codename “C” dates back to Captain Mansfield Cumming, the first head of the original Secret Service Bureau, who signed his correspondence in green ink, a tradition still followed by MI6 chiefs today. After assuming her position as MI6 chief, Blaise Metreweli will also be codenamed “C”.