The first ever female Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service
(MI6) has been announced by the Prime Minister today.
Blaise Metreweli CMG will be the 18th Chief in the
organisation's history and the first woman to hold the role, at a
time when the United Kingdom faces increased threats from our
adversaries.
Commonly referred to as 'C', the Chief has operational
responsibility for MI6, and is the only publicly named member of
the organisation. They are accountable to the Foreign Secretary.
She is currently Director General 'Q', responsible for technology
and innovation in MI6, and has previously held Director-level
roles in MI6 and MI5. She will succeed Sir Richard Moore,
who leaves the Service in the autumn.
Prime Minister :
“The historic appointment of Blaise Metreweli comes at a time
when the work of our intelligence services has never been more
vital.
“The United Kingdom is facing threats on an unprecedented scale –
be it aggressors who send their spy ships to our waters or
hackers whose sophisticated cyber plots seek to disrupt our
public services.
“I'd like to thank Sir Richard Moore for his dedicated service,
and I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent
leadership needed to defend our county and keep our people safe –
the foundation of my Plan for Change.”
Foreign Secretary said:
"I am delighted to appoint Blaise Metreweli as the next Chief of
MI6. With a wealth of experience from across our national
security community, Blaise is the ideal candidate to lead MI6
into the future.
“At a time of global instability and emerging security threats,
where technology is power and our adversaries are working ever
closer together, Blaise will ensure the UK can tackle these
challenges head on to keep Britain safe and secure at home and
abroad.
“Every day, our intelligence services work behind the scenes to
protect our national security and compete with our adversaries.
That's why I am proud that we are investing an extra £600 million
in our intelligence community so they can continue to defend
our way of life.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Sir Richard Moore for his
service and leadership. I have worked closely with him over the
past year and thank him for his valuable contribution enhancing
our national security and protecting the British public."
Cabinet Secretary Christopher Wormald said:
" Blaise Metreweli's experience and leadership in the
intelligence community will help MI6 protect the foundation
of our national security and project our interests overseas.
Blaise will be an excellent Chief, who will embody the values of
the Service and act as a fine role model to its staff.
“I would also like to thank Sir Richard Moore for his excellent
leadership of the Service over the past five years and his
contribution to UK national security during that time and
over his long career."
Blaise Metreweli CMG
said:
"I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my Service. MI6
plays a vital role - with MI5 and GCHQ - in keeping the British
people safe and promoting UK interests overseas. I look forward
to continuing that work alongside the brave officers and agents
of MI6 and our many international partners."
Outgoing Chief, Sir Richard Moore, said:
"I am absolutely delighted by this historic appointment of my
colleague, Blaise Metreweli to succeed me as 'C'. Blaise is a
highly accomplished intelligence officer and leader, and one of
our foremost thinkers on technology. I am excited to welcome her
as the first female head of MI6."
Biography:
- Blaise Metreweli is Director General Technology and
Innovation in MI6. She has previously held Director-level roles
in MI5.
- She is a career intelligence officer, having joined the
Service as a case officer in 1999.
- She has undertaken a range of roles across the Service. She
has spent most of her career in operational roles in the Middle
East and Europe.
- She studied Anthropology at Pembroke College, Cambridge.
