Georgian-origin Blaze Metreveli appointed as first female Head of UK Intelligence Service

The United Kingdom has appointed 47-year-old Blaze Metreveli as the new head of its foreign intelligence service, MI6, making her the first woman—and the first person of Georgian descent—to lead the agency.

The official announcement was published on the UK government's website on June 15. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the appointment as “historic,” noting that it comes at a time when the role of intelligence services is more critical than ever.

Before being named MI6 Chief, Metreveli served as Director of Technology and Innovation at the agency. Prior to that, she held various senior positions within the UK’s domestic intelligence service, MI5.

A seasoned intelligence officer, Metreveli has been part of the British intelligence community since 1999. Much of her career has been dedicated to operational work across the Middle East and Europe.

She earned her degree in anthropology from Pembroke College, University of Cambridge.

Blaze Metreveli will officially assume her role as Chief of MI6 in autumn 2025, succeeding Richard Moore, who has led the agency since 2020.

MI6, formally known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), is tasked with gathering intelligence abroad, countering hostile states, and combating terrorism. The agency’s chief is traditionally known by the initial “C,” and is the only publicly identified member of the service.