London: In a historic move, the United Kingdom has appointed Blaise Metreweli as the first female chief of the country’s foreign intelligence agency, the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), in its 116-year history. She is scheduled to assume office in late 2025.

Founded in 1909, MI6 has played a central role in safeguarding British national interests overseas. Despite more than a century of operations, the agency has never before been led by a woman — making Metreweli’s appointment a landmark moment in the history of UK intelligence services.

MI6 is responsible for gathering and analyzing intelligence abroad to protect the UK from threats including terrorism, cyber-attacks, and hostile state activities. The agency works closely with domestic security service MI5 and signals intelligence agency GCHQ.

Government officials described the appointment as a significant step forward in promoting diversity and modern leadership within Britain’s security institutions. Analysts say the decision reflects broader changes across global intelligence communities, where more women are taking on senior national security roles.

Metreweli is expected to oversee critical intelligence operations during a period marked by geopolitical tensions, cybersecurity challenges, and evolving global security threats.

Her appointment is being widely viewed as a milestone not only for MI6 but also for gender representation in high-level national security positions.