Blaise Metreweli, a seasoned intelligence officer, has been appointed as the first female head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6. Metreweli, aged 47 and currently serving as MI6's head of technology, joined the agency in 1999 and has primarily worked in operational roles in the Middle East and Europe. The current chief of MI6, Richard Moore, will step down this autumn after a five-year term.

Expressing her pride and honor, Metreweli stated, 'I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my service.' She will be taking on one of the most influential positions in Western intelligence and will be identified by the code name 'C'.

Established in 1909, MI6 now joins other major British spy agencies, including the domestic MI5 and the intelligence communications agency GCHQ, in having a female leader. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, currently attending the Group of Seven summit in Canada, emphasized the significance of Metreweli's appointment at a time when Britain is facing unprecedented threats. He expressed confidence in Metreweli's ability to provide the strong leadership necessary to defend the country.