A former “Q,” she will be the first woman to lead Britain’s foreign intelligence service in the agency’s 116-year history.

MI6 will be led by a woman for the first time in the foreign intelligence service's 116-year history. Blaise Metreweli, who joined the Secret Intelligence Service in 1999, will become the 18th chief of the organisation and take over from Sir Richard Moore later this year.

In a historic move, MI6, Britain’s storied Secret Intelligence Service, will be led by a woman for the first time in its 116-year history. Blaise Metreweli, a 47-year-old intelligence veteran who joined MI6 in 1999, will take the helm as the 18th chief, succeeding Sir Richard Moore later this year.