Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the 18th chief of MI6, making her the first woman to lead the UK's foreign intelligence service in its 116-year history. She will succeed Sir Richard Moore later this year. The appointment is hailed as historic by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, emphasizing the vital role of intelligence services in current global challenges.
Blaise Metreweli appointed as MI6's first female chief
MI6
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the 18th chief of MI6, making her the first woman to lead the UK's foreign intelligence service in its 116-year history. She will succeed Sir Richard Moore later this year. The appointment is hailed as historic by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, emphasizing the vital role of intelligence services in current global challenges.
Trending- 1 1999: Blaise Metreweli joined the Secret Intelligence Service.
- 2 December 2021: Ms Metreweli (under pseudonym 'Director K') spoke to The Telegraph.
- 3 2024: Blaise Metreweli received the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).
- 4 Last September (2024): Sir Richard Moore and William Burns warned about global threats.
- 5 Sunday (prior to June 15, 2025): Sir Richard Moore expressed delight at the appointment.
- 6 Later this year: Blaise Metreweli will take over as MI6 chief.
- MI6 will be led by a woman for the first time
- Historic appointment in UK intelligence
- Continued focus on combating threats from hostile states and cyber-security
What: Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the first female chief of MI6, succeeding Sir Richard Moore.
When: Appointment announced June 15, 2025; she will take over later this year.
Where: United Kingdom (MI6 headquarters), with past work in the Middle East and Europe.
Why: To lead MI6 in gathering intelligence overseas, stopping terrorism, disrupting hostile states, and bolstering cyber-security, at a time when intelligence services' work is vital. Her experience in technology and innovation, and previous director roles in MI5, make her suitable.
How: Through an official appointment process, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling it 'historic'.