The British government has appointed Blaise Metreveli, a career civil servant, to head MI6. She will be the first woman to head the British intelligence service, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Metreveli, 47, who is currently the head of MI6's technology and innovation department, known as Q, has been part of the intelligence service since 1999. and has spent most of her career in operational roles in the Middle East and Europe, the government said in a statement.
Richard Moore, the current head of MI6, will step down in the autumn after a five-year term.
"I am proud and honoured to be asked to lead my service," Metreveli said.
MI6, founded in 1909, joins the other main British intelligence agencies - counterintelligence MI5 and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) - in having women head up the agency.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Metreveli's appointment comes at a time when Britain is "facing threats of an unprecedented scale".
"I know Blaise will continue to provide the excellent leadership needed to protect of our country", he said.
Metreveli previously held a directorship position at MI5 and studied anthropology at Cambridge University, the British government said.