Blaise Metreweli, a seasoned intelligence officer with a career spanning over two decades in MI6 and MI5, has been appointed the new head of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6).

At 47, she becomes the first woman to ever lead the organisation, breaking a 116-year male-dominated leadership lineage.

Metreweli will assume the role of Chief—or simply “C” later this year, succeeding Sir Richard Moore. This historic appointment places her at the helm of the UK’s global intelligence operations, responsible for confronting threats from hostile states, terrorism, and cyber warfare.

She will officially take over in autumn 2025, a pivotal time for global security and geopolitical tension.

Based in London but with a reach across continents, Metreweli’s leadership will be crucial as MI6 expands and deepens its global intelligence efforts across Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea—regions of high strategic concern.

This isn’t just about one role. It’s about representation, progress, and possibilities. In an intelligence world historically led by men, Metreweli’s appointment signals a shift—not just in gender dynamics but in the kind of leadership intelligence services require in a modern world: innovative, inclusive, and technologically savvy.

Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles across the workforce, especially in national security. Her rise challenges that norm and offers a narrative of change.

With a background in anthropology from the University of Cambridge, Metreweli has built her career across sensitive regions like the Middle East and Europe. As Director General “Q” at MI6, she led on technology and innovation, developing tools to counter digital surveillance and protect agents’ identities. She also held key roles in MI5 and was honoured with the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for her services to British foreign policy.

This appointment is more than a headline—it’s a symbol of what modern leadership must look like: adaptable, forward-thinking, and reflective of society’s full spectrum. Blaise Metreweli’s story is a powerful reminder that women belong at the highest levels of decision-making—even in the most secretive and strategic institutions.

As intelligence threats evolve and global instability rises, MI6 will now be led by someone who not only understands the future but is ready to shape it. Her leadership marks an inspiration for women and girls everywhere—not just to dream big, but to lead boldly.