Blaise Metreweli has been appointed the first ever female head of MI6 as Britain faces “unprecedented threats”.
She will take over from Sir Richard Moore as “C” at the helm of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) in the autumn.
She is currently Director General ‘Q’, responsible for technology and innovation in MI6, a role made famous by the gadgets boffin in James Bond films.
She has previously held a director-level role in MI5 and will become the 18th Chief in MI6’s history.
Announcing her appointment, Sir Keir Starmer said: “The historic appointment of Blaise Metreweli comes at a time when the work of our intelligence services has never been more vital.”
With the threats from Russia, China and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the Prime Minister added: “The United Kingdom is facing threats on an unprecedented scale, be it aggressors who send their spy ships to our waters or hackers whose sophisticated cyber plots seek to disrupt our public services.
“I’d like to thank Sir Richard Moore for his dedicated service, and I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent leadership needed to defend our county and keep our people safe.”
Ms Metreweli, a career intelligence officer who joined SIS in 1999 as a case officer, said: “I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my Service.
“MI6 plays a vital role, with MI5 and GCHQ, in keeping the British people safe and promoting UK interests overseas.
“I look forward to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents of MI6 and our many international partners.”
Ms Metreweli, who studied anthropology at Pembroke College, Cambridge, spent most of her career in operational roles in the Middle East and Europe.
Outgoing Chief Sir Richard said: “I am absolutely delighted by this historic appointment of my colleague, Blaise Metreweli to succeed me as ‘C’.
“Blaise is a highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader, and one of our foremost thinkers on technology.”
Intelligence gathering is becoming increasingly technology focused, compared to previous decades when it relied more heavily on recruiting agents.
Ms Metreweli is believed to have been shortlisted with two other women for the top job, the UK’s ambassador to the United Nations, Dame Barbara Woodward, and another internal candidate.
But, unlike MI5, the service has never had a female Chief in its 116-year history.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “I am delighted to appoint Blaise Metreweli as the next Chief of MI6.
“With a wealth of experience from across our national security community, Blaise is the ideal candidate to lead MI6 into the future.”
He added: “At a time of global instability and emerging security threats, where technology is power and our adversaries are working ever closer together, Blaise will ensure the UK can tackle these challenges head on to keep Britain safe and secure at home and abroad.”
