MI6, the British intelligence agency, appoints a new head for the first time.
Groundbreaking Move: MI6 Welcomes Its First Female Chief
It's about bloody time! The British secret service MI6 is shaking things up with the appointment of Blaise Metreweli as its new head. Let's cut the crap, shall we?
Up until now, Sir Richard Moore was in charge as "C." But come October, this anthropologist blowing up the status quo will take over the reins. Metreweli, who's been on MI6's payroll since 1999 and currently oversees technology and innovation, is set to step into Moore's shoes[1]. She's got a wealth of experience, having spent most of her career in various roles across the Middle East and Europe[2].
Now, here's where it gets interesting. Wolfgang Krieger, an intelligence history prof and author of seven books on the subject, isn't exactly floored by her gender. But he's mighty impressed with her assuming the role, stating it's not extraordinary[3]. However, he admits that the Brits are more forward-thinking when it comes to female leadership[3].
Compare that to Germany, where the last chief from active service was in 1985[3]. Since then, their intelligence agencies have been run by administrative lawyers, a decision Krieger feels lacks the deep-rooted understanding a long-term employee would bring[3].
Worldwide, it's no shocker to see a woman leading intelligence operations. The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has already had two female directors, with Tulsi Gabbard assuming the role under Trump in February[4]. However, Gabbard's controversial views on Putin's attack on Ukraine have raised eyebrows[4]. CIA's openness to women leadership seems to be ahead of BND's game[4].
Germany's still got some catching up to do. Although some state offices for the protection of the constitution have had female leaders, Krieger believes progress needs to be made[3].
Stay tuned for more updates on MI6's new boss and the future of global intelligence.
Sources: News agencies dpa, AFP, British government, MI6, and interview with Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Krieger.
Join us for a deeper dive on this topic during our Aktuelle Stunde program at 18:45 on 16.06.2025.
- European countries like the UK, with Blaise Metreweli's appointment as the first female chief of MI6, are leading in women's representation in policy-and-legislation, particularly in health-and-wellness and science sectors, where women's voices are increasingly influencing policy.
- In contrast, Germany's intelligence agencies have lagged behind, with women only taking over leadership positions in state offices for the protection of the constitution, and the last chief from active service having been appointed in 1985, a situation that Wolfgang Krieger, an intelligence history professor, believes necessitates progress.
- As global trends show an increasing number of women leading intelligence operations, like Tulsi Gabbard at the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), it's crucial for Germany to foster and implement policies to promote women in policy-and-legislation, health-and-wellness, and science, to compete on the international stage.
