Metreweli will assume office as the spy agency's 18th chief, taking over from Richard Moore, who held the job for five years. She has been an intelligence officer since 1999.

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

Pembroke Alumna Blaise Metreweli who will be the next Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (commonly known as MI6), succeeding Sir Richard Moore. She will be the 18th Chief (or "C") and the first woman to hold the position. Picture: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office