MI6: breaking the glass ceiling, first woman to head British foreign intelligence

She will succeed Sir Richard Moore by the end of the year. An expert in technology and the Middle East, she has already held key roles in MI5 and the “Q” division

For the first time in its 116-year history, the British foreign intelligence service MI6 will be led by a woman. Blaise Metreweli, 47, will take over from Sir Richard Moore, the current director, by the end of the year.

Metreweli, currently head of the “Q” division, responsible for technology and innovation, expressed her pride at the appointment: “I am honoured to take on this role,” she said. She has also held positions in MI5 in the past, developing solid experience in dossiers related to the Middle East and Europe.

The choice was welcomed with enthusiasm by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who spoke of a ‘historic’ appointment at a time when ‘intelligence work is more vital than ever.’ Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who oversees MI6, also called Metreweli the ‘ideal’ candidate to tackle an era marked by global instability and emerging threats.

According to the BBC, Metreweli will lead the agency at a crucial time, between hostile cooperation from powers such as Russia, China, Iran and North Korea and the growing centrality of technology in contemporary espionage, which now also takes place online and in space.

Her predecessor Moore described her as “one of the most brilliant minds in technology” within the British services.

The head of MI6, known by the code name “C”, is the only senior officer in the service to have a public identity and reports directly to the Foreign Office. The role still maintains some symbolic traditions, such as the exclusive use of green ink, in homage to the founder Mansfield Cumming.

THE LATEST NEWS

• International-News

María Corina Machado dominates Venezuela poll, Delcy Rodríguez rejected

20 Gennaio 2026

A Meganálisis survey shows overwhelming support for the opposition leader and a near-total rejection of any transitional role for the...

Read More

• International-News

Israel Prepares Full Defense Amid Tensions with Iran

19 Gennaio 2026

IDF Chief Eyal Zamir warns of unprecedented offensive capability as new F-35 jets arrive Israel Prepares Full Defense as the...

Read More

• International-News

Farewell to Valentino: Remembering the Last Emperor of Fashion

19 Gennaio 2026

Valentino Garavani has died in Rome at 93, leaving an extraordinary legacy in haute couture Farewell to Valentino: Valentino Garavani,...

Read More

• International-News

Syrian President agrees Kurdish forces integration in ceasefire deal

18 Gennaio 2026

Al-Sharaa announces plan for Kurdish forces to join Damascus army and transfer control of key cities Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa...

Read More

• International-News

Erfan Soltani alive: Human rights group confirms amid Iran protests

18 Gennaio 2026

Human rights group Hengaw reports that the young Iranian activist, symbol of recent demonstrations, is in stable condition despite previous...

Read More

• International-News

Trump tariff threats over Greenland spark European backlash

18 Gennaio 2026

Eight NATO countries warn that planned U.S. trade measures linked to military deployments in Greenland could undermine transatlantic relations and...

Read More

(Photo: © AndKronos)