For the first time in the history of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), a British foreign intelligence agency, a female head has been born.
According to the BBC on the 15th, Blaze Metrawelli was appointed as the next head of the M16.
It is the first time in the 116-year history that a woman has been appointed as the head of MI6. While the U.K. has two female directors in the history of MI5, MI6 has no female director general, with 17 male directors so far. MI6 director general “M” played by actor Judi Dench in the movie “007” series is presumed to be modeled after Stella Leamington, the first female director of MI5.
Metrawley will be sworn in as the 18th head of MI6 following Richard Moore, a former diplomat who will step down in five years this fall. MI6 is the only person whose identity will be made public in the organization, and is called a “C” in the meaning of a chief.
After studying social anthropology at the University of Cambridge, Metrawley joined MI6 in 1999 and worked for a long time in the Middle East and Europe. “Meterwelli is currently the director of ‘Q’, and Q is the head of a critical technology and innovation department aimed at devising new ways to keep the identity of secret agents confidential and avoid biometric surveillance,” the BBC said.
Metrawley was also awarded the Order of St. Michael and St. George for services to British foreign policy. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “The historic appointment of Blaze Metrawley comes at a time when our intelligence services business is more critical than ever. The U.K. is facing threats on an unprecedented scale.”
Moore also said, “I am extremely pleased with the historic appointment. Metrawley is a highly capable intelligence officer and leader, and one of the most advanced thinkers in technology. I am pleased to welcome him as the first female director of MI6.”
“I am proud and honored to lead the organization that I belong to,” Metrawelli said. “MI6 is playing an important role alongside MI5 and GCHQ in keeping the British people safe and promoting the UK’s interests abroad. I look forward to continuing that work with MI6’s brave executives and agents and many international partners.”
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
