In a landmark move, the British government announced today that Blaise Mitrioli will become the first woman to lead the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) in its 116-year history.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed Mitrioli’s appointment in an official statement, said she will succeed Richard Moore at the end of this year to become the 18th director of MI6, which operates under the authority of the Foreign Office.
Mitrioli, 47, is currently MI6’s Technology and Innovation Area Officer, and holds a BA in Anthropology from Cambridge University. Her elevation to the top post comes at a time when Britain is confronting what Starmer called “unprecedented threats” — including foreign espionage, cyberattacks, and maritime incursions.
“The historic appointment of Blaise Mitrioli comes at a time when the work of our intelligence services is more important than ever,” said Starmer.
“Britain faces threats on an unprecedented scale, whether from aggressors sending spy ships into our waters or hackers whose sophisticated cyber plots seek to disrupt our public services.”
The prime minister thanked outgoing chief Richard Moore for his years of service and expressed full confidence in Mitrioli’s ability to guide MI6 through a period of significant global instability.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed that sentiment, praising Mitrioli as “the ideal candidate to lead MI6 in the future,” noting her broad experience across the national security community.
Mitrioli’s appointment is being hailed as a milestone for gender equality in intelligence leadership and a strategic shift toward technological innovation, given her background in tech-driven intelligence.
Her leadership will be closely watched as the UK navigates a complex international landscape marked by the rise of AI warfare, state-sponsored cyberthreats, and renewed great-power rivalries.
