| Overview | Blaise Metreweli has dedicated more than two decades to British intelligence, starting her career in MI6 as an operations officer in 1999. She brings deep regional expertise from operational roles across the Middle East and Europe, with particular focus on counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and monitoring state threats from Russia, China, and Iran. She is fluent in Arabic and grew up partly in Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. |
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| Notable Positions | - Director-level positions under the pseudonym 'Director K' in MI5.
- UK's ambassador to China from 2015 to 2020, where she faced criticism over her approach to human rights issues with Beijing.
- Appointed Director General ‘Q’ for Technology and Innovation at MI6 in 2023, overseeing AI and cyber capabilities.
- Second Secretary for Economic Affairs in Dubai from 2000 to 2003, serving as cover for intelligence work.
- Operations Officer at MI6 from 1999.
- Senior roles at MI5 under the pseudonym 'Director K', focused on hostile states.
- Head of MI6's Q branch overseeing technical and emerging technology capabilities.
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| Recent Achievements | - Honored as a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 2024 for her contributions to British foreign policy.
- Scheduled to become the chief of MI6, succeeding Sir Richard Moore in 2025.
- Appointed as the 18th Chief ('C') of MI6 in autumn 2025, succeeding Sir Richard Moore, becoming the first woman to lead the agency.
- Appointed as the 18th Chief ('C') of MI6 on 15/06/2025, succeeding Sir Richard Moore, becoming the first woman to lead the agency.
- Appointed as the 18th Chief ('C') of MI6 on 15/06/2025 by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, succeeding Sir Richard Moore, becoming the first woman to lead the agency in its 116-year history.
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| Public Statements | UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted her appointment amidst rising global instability and security challenges. |
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