On June 15, 2025, the prime minister of the United Kingdom (UK) announced Blaise Metreweli as the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). She will be the 18th chief in the 116-year history of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and the first woman to hold the position. She joined MI6 in 1999.
The Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), known as "C", is the head of the UK's foreign intelligence agency. Their primary role is to lead MI6's covert overseas intelligence gathering and analysis, protecting national security and promoting British interests abroad.
She currently serves as Director General 'Q', leading technology and innovation for MI6. Before this, she held a Director-level position at MI5. She is set to succeed Sir Richard Moore, who will be departing from the Service this autumn.
Who is the First Female Chief of MI Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)?
Source: Financial Times
Blaise Metreweli is set to make history as the first female Chief of the UK's Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), often referred to as "C".
Her appointment, announced on June 15, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the 116-year history of the agency. She will succeed Sir Richard Moore in autumn 2025.
A career intelligence officer, Metreweli, 47, joined MI6 in 1999 and has extensive operational experience, particularly in the Middle East and Europe.
She currently serves as Director General 'Q', leading technology and innovation within MI6 – a role famously depicted in James Bond films. Before this, she held a Director-level position at MI5, the UK's domestic security agency.
Metreweli's background in technology and her long-standing service underscore her suitability to lead MI6 amidst evolving global threats, including cyber warfare and hostile state activities. She is a Cambridge University graduate, having studied Anthropology at Pembroke College.
What Are the Responsibilities of the Chief of MI Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)?
The Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), commonly known as MI6 or "C", holds multifaceted responsibilities crucial to the UK's national security. Their primary duties include:
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Operational Control: The Chief has direct operational responsibility for all MI6 activities, overseeing the covert overseas collection and analysis of human intelligence.
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Strategic Direction: They are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Service, ensuring it adapts to evolving global threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, hostile state activities, and proliferation.
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Accountability: The Chief is directly accountable to the Foreign Secretary and provides an annual report on MI6's work to both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary.
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Resource Management: They make critical decisions regarding risk, resource allocation, and the adoption of new technologies to enhance MI6's effectiveness.
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Diplomatic Engagement: The role also involves operating as a "secret diplomat", maintaining vital international alliances for intelligence cooperation and establishing discreet communication channels where traditional diplomacy is challenging.
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Advisory Role: The Chief is a key member of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC), advising the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers on intelligence assessments and their implications for national security and foreign policy.
Who is the Current Chief of MI Secret Intelligence Service (SIS)?
The current Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) is Sir Richard Moore. He became the 17th Chief of MI6 in October 2020.
However, it has been announced that he will be succeeded by Blaise Metreweli in the autumn of 2025. Therefore, while Sir Richard Moore currently holds the position, a transition is planned for later this year.
