For the first time, female leadership at the British secret service MI6: Metreweli takes over!

For the first time, female leadership at the British secret service MI6: Metreweli takes over!

On Sunday, Britain made a historic decision by appointing a woman to head the foreign intelligence service MI6 for the first time. Blaise Metreweli, who currently serves as MI6's director of technology, will take over in the autumn, succeeding Richard Moore, who has held the post since 2019. Metreweli, who joined the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) in 1999, has extensive experience in operational roles in the Middle East and Europe. In her previous role she will be referred to internally as “Q”, while in her new role she will go by the traditional abbreviation “C”.

With Metreweli's appointment, all three major British intelligence agencies - MI6, MI5 and GCHQ - now have female leaders. As oe24 reports, MI5 was first led by a woman in the 1990s, with GCHQ following in 2023. Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the decision and highlighted the challenges the UK will face, particularly in Reference to relations with Russia, China and Iran.

Challenges for the new leadership

Among the biggest challenges Metreveli will face are the activities of Russia, which, according to British intelligence, is carrying out acts of sabotage in Europe to intimidate Ukraine supporters. Beijing was also listed as a “top priority” in 2021 by her predecessor Moore. In addition, Iran is blamed for murder and kidnapping plots against dissidents in Britain, which heavily influences MI5's work. Metreweli brings valuable experience, having previously held a senior position at MI5 and studying anthropology at the University of Cambridge.

Metreweli's appointment is not only a significant step for MI6, but also a signal of a changing sector. Historically, women in British intelligence history have often faced structural barriers and discrimination. Many were forced into secretarial roles or deployed as “honeypots.” However, in the late 1970s, women began to be regularly recruited as intelligence officers, marking a change in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

A look at the women in the secret service

The challenges women face in this sector are diverse. An article from FT highlights the experiences of women at SIS, including statements from Kathy, one of the four directors of SIS, who describes her career paths in a male-dominated environment. The importance of diversity in intelligence work is highlighted, particularly in relation to work-life balance.

In conclusion, the appointment of Blaise Metreweli to the top of a British intelligence agency for the first time not only represents a milestone in the history of MI6, but can also act as a catalyst for further changes in the perception and role of women in intelligence. Her move could lead to a reshaping of the narrative about women in this industry, which is long past time for a change, as the photo series at Spiegel makes clear.