♦ Blaise Metreweli Britain was appointed as the Chief of the Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6.

♦ This is the first time in the agency's 115-year history that a woman will lead it. 

♦ Metreweli will take over from Sir Richard Moore this autumn.

♦ Known by the codename 'C', the MI6 chief is the only publicly named officer in the service and holds full operational responsibility, reporting directly to the Foreign Secretary.

♦ She currently serves as Director General 'Q', overseeing technology and innovation at MI6, a nod to the fictional gadget expert in the James Bond films. She has previously held a senior position in MI5.

♦ While the domestic intelligence agency MI5 has previously had two female chiefs, Stella Rimington and Eliza Manningham-Buller, Ms Metreweli becomes the first woman to helm MI6.
What Is MI6?

♦ MI6, or the Secret Intelligence Service, is the UK's foreign intelligence agency, responsible for gathering overseas intelligence to protect national security and support foreign policy.

♦ Founded in 1909, it operates covertly around the world and reports to the Foreign Secretary.

♦ The agency focuses on threats like terrorism, cyberattacks, and hostile states.

♦ Its chief ('C') is the only publicly named officer. Unlike MI5, which handles domestic intelligence, MI6 works exclusively abroad.