Blaise Metreweli to lead MI6 this autumn: UK braces for rising global threats

Blaise Metreweli, the first female chief in MI6's 116-year history, will take charge amid escalating challenges from Russia, China, and non-state actors. This leadership change signals a strategic shift as the UK prepares to confront unprecedented intelligence threats.

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NPR
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Sources: NPR
Blaise Metreweli, the head of technology and innovation at MI6, will become the agency's first female chief this autumn, announced by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Metreweli, known as the real-life "Q," has been instrumental in protecting British spies globally and developing countermeasures against adversaries like China's biometric surveillance.

"She takes over at a time when MI6 and the U.K. overall face unprecedented challenges from Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, and from non-state entities like the Houthis in Yemen, and al-Qaeda," highlighting the complex security environment.

Previously, while at MI5 in 2021 under the pseudonym Director K, Metreweli warned that British espionage laws were outdated and compared Vladimir Putin's Russia to an "unpredictable storm."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, "Blaise Metreweli’s appointment marks a historic moment as the first female MI6 chief, bringing innovation and resilience to the agency amid rising global threats."

Her promotion from the head of technology and innovation to the top spy job underscores the increasing importance of technological expertise in modern intelligence operations.

Metreweli succeeds Richard Moore, who is retiring, as the UK braces for intensifying geopolitical tensions and espionage challenges.

This leadership change reflects MI6’s strategic focus on adapting to evolving threats from state and non-state actors worldwide.
Sources: NPR
Blaise Metreweli, MI6's head of technology and innovation, will become the UK’s first female MI6 chief this autumn, succeeding Richard Moore. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced her appointment amid rising global threats from Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and non-state actors like al-Qaeda and the Houthis.
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Key Facts
  • Blaise Metreweli, known as the real-life gadget-master Q, has been promoted to head of MI6, Britain's foreign intelligence agency.
  • Richard Moore is the outgoing chief of MI6, whom Metreweli will succeed.NPR
  • Blaise Metreweli, aged 47, will become the first female chief of MI6 and will officially take over in autumn 2025.NPR
  • Metreweli served as Q at MI6, responsible for keeping secret the identities of British spies and developing spy evasion techniques against adversaries like China's biometric surveillance.NPR
  • Metreweli will assume leadership amid unprecedented global threats to the UK from Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and non-state actors such as the Houthis and al-Qaeda.NPR
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Blaise Metreweli — the first-ever female MI6 chief — will assume her new role in the autumn, succeeding Richard Moore, who is retiring.
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Key Stats at a Glance
Age of Blaise Metreweli
47
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