Blaise Metreweli appointed as MI6’s first female chief

The MI6 will be managed for the first time by a woman in the 116 -year history of the Foreign Intelligence Service.

Blaise Mereweli, who participated in the Secret Intelligence Service in 1999, will be the 18th chief of the organization and will take over from Sir Richard Moore this year.

He is still responsible for technology and innovation in service and said that he was “proud and honored” for being asked to lead.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the “appointment” history “at a time when the work of our intelligence services was never so vital.

MI6 is responsible for gathering intelligence abroad to stop terrorism, disrupt the activities of enemy states and increase cyber security.

In general, the chief called “C” is the only public member of the service.

47 -year -old Mrs. Mereweli is currently the president of the major technology and innovation department, which aims to keep the identities of secret agents confidential and to reveal new ways to avoid competitors of China.

“MI6 plays a vital role with MI5 and Gchq to keep the British people safe and encourage England’s interests abroad.” He said.

“I am looking forward to continuing this work with MI6’s brave officers and agents and many international partners.”

Mrs. Metreweli, who studied anthropology at the University of Cambridge, has played a roles in MI5 – MI6, the Native Security Agency – Director – Director and worked in most of his career in the Middle East and Europe.

In 2024, the king’s overseas and international birthday honor list was accompanied by St Michael and St George (CMG) order for his services to British foreign policy.

Talking to Telegraph in December 2021 In MI5, under the name of “Director K”, Mrs. Metreweli said the threats towards the national security of the UK were “really different”.

“The threats we are looking for are primarily protecting the government, protecting secrets, protecting our people – so counter water perception – is about protecting our economy, sensitive technology and critical information.” He said.

“Russian state activity – not Russia itself – continues to be a threat and China” how the world has changed and this offers incredible opportunities and threats for England, “he added.

The organization to run is unseen and faced with multiple difficulties.

Geographically, they are primarily caused by Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, because the four nations cooperate closer to weakening the interests of England and Western around the world.

But there are also technical difficulties.

The role of MI6 is to hire human agents to steal secrets from the rivals of the UK, including both enemy nations and non -governmental groups such as al -Qaeda.

In the age of rapid digital innovation, MI6, too much intelligence, now collected from online and space, to stay in front of your enemies and to remain relevant to a faster pedal.

Last September, the outgoing chef Sir Richard – with the CIA chief William Burns – warned that the international world “Under threat that we have not seen since the Cold War”.

Beyond the war in Ukraine, two foreign intelligence services continue to work together to disrupt the sabotage campaign carried out by Russian intelligence in Europe, beyond the war in Ukraine.

Sir Richard and Mr. Burns, China’s rise as the main intelligence of the century and geopolitical challenge, he added. They also said that they were “hard” for restriction and increase in the Middle East.

On Sunday, Sir Richard, who will resign in autumn five years later, said that his colleague was absolutely happy with his “historical appointment”.

“Blaise is an extremely successful intelligence officer and leader and one of the leading thinkers on technology,” he said.

“I am excited to host him as MI6’s first female president.”

Foreign Minister David Lammy, who will be responsible for the MI6’s new chef of Ms. Mrs mereweli, said that he was a “ideal” candidate and will allow Britain to cope with the difficulties of “global instability and security threats”.

“I also want to pay tribute to Sir Richard Moore for his service and leadership,” he said.

He continued: “I worked closely with him last year and thanked him for his valuable contribution that increased our national security and protects the British people.”

Sir Keir also thanked Sir Richard for “private service”.

“I know that Blaise will continue to provide the perfect leadership to defend our district and keep our people safe.”

Hollie Cole’s additional reports