In a landmark moment for British intelligence, Blaise Metreweli has been appointed as the new head of the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, MI6, becoming the first woman to lead the spy agency in its 116-year history.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the historic announcement on Sunday, calling Metreweli’s elevation a “critical and timely choice” in the face of modern threats like cyberattacks and espionage.

Metreweli, 47, currently serves as MI6’s Director of Technology and Innovation. She is known internally as “Q,” a nod to the iconic gadget inventor in the James Bond films, due to her pioneering work in surveillance and intelligence tech. As chief, she will assume the traditional code name “C,” a title dating back to MI6’s first head, Captain Sir Mansfield Cumming.

“I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my Service,” Metreweli said in a brief statement following the announcement. She will succeed Richard Moore, who is stepping down after completing his five-year term.

The appointment underscores MI6’s strategic pivot toward cyber operations and digital intelligence, an area in which Metreweli has played a crucial role.

Prime Minister Starmer noted, “The United Kingdom is facing threats on an unprecedented scale—from adversarial nations deploying spy ships to cybercriminals targeting our infrastructure. Metreweli’s leadership is both historic and essential.”

Analysts say Metreweli’s deep technical expertise will be key in navigating the evolving threat landscape and steering MI6 into a new era of digital intelligence.

Her appointment also marks a shift toward more transparency and gender diversity within the traditionally secretive agency.