Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Serco appoints Anthony Kirby as Group Chief Executive

Defence Security Space

Serco appoints Anthony Kirby as Group Chief Executive

Serco today announced the retirement of Mark Irwin and the appointment of Anthony Kirby as Group Chief Executive designate.


 
Above: Anthony Kirby is currently CEO of UK & Europe and will become Group Chief Executive at the beginning of March this year.
Courtesy Serco

After 12 years with Serco, Mark Irwin has advised the Board of his intention to retire as Group Chief Executive. Mark will step down from his role on 28th February 2025 and will continue to serve as a strategic adviser through a transition period.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Anthony Kirby, currently CEO of UK & Europe, the Group’s largest division, will succeed Mark as Group Chief Executive from 1st March 2025.

Mark Irwin said: “It has been a true privilege to lead Serco and I am delighted with the progress we have made in the last few years, especially on keeping our colleagues safer, delivering consistently strong financial performance and developing the biggest pipeline in more than a decade to meet our strategic growth goals. I know that Anthony will continue to build on these solid foundations. I am eternally grateful to all my colleagues across the Group for their hard work and commitment in delivering these outcomes as we worked together to deliver on our purpose to impact a better future for people, place and planet.”

Anthony Kirby said: “It is an honour to be selected to lead this amazing company, of which I have been a part for seven years. Serco is in good shape, with great people and an exciting future. I am confident we can continue to build on our strategy, strengthen our position further and provide outstanding solutions, helping customers around the world deliver superb public services. I want to thank Mark for his leadership and offer him my best wishes for the future.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

John Rishton, Chair of Serco, said: “I would like to thank Mark for his commitment, dedication and hard work over the last 12 years and, in particular, during his time as Group Chief Executive and wish him well in his future.

I am delighted that Anthony is taking on the role of Group Chief Executive. Since we attracted Anthony from Compass Group, he has been part of our internal succession planning. During this time he has held a number of critical roles at Serco, including being Group Chief Operating Officer and successfully leading the UK & Europe business. The Board is confident that Anthony has the skills, determination and leadership attributes to deliver against our strategy.”

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Funding of £20m set to find Britain’s next defence unicorn

Aerospace Defence Security Space Events

Funding of £20m set to find Britain’s next defence unicorn

29 January 2026

The search for the UK’s next defence unicorn has kicked off with the launch of a bespoke £20 million fund to offer accelerated contracts to small, innovative British startups who have had limited or no business with the Ministry of Defence.

Metis launches Skyperion Lightweight

Aerospace Defence Security

Metis launches Skyperion Lightweight

29 January 2026

Lincoln based specialists in Radio Frequency (RF) and drone detection technologies, Metis, have launched their latest detection product, Skyperion Lightweight.

Data Link Solutions awarded US Navy contract to deliver MIDS JTRS

Defence

Data Link Solutions awarded US Navy contract to deliver MIDS JTRS

29 January 2026

The US Navy has awarded Data Link Solutions - a joint venture between BAE Systems and RTX's Collins Aerospace - a $248 million production contract to deliver hundreds of Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals for US forces and allies.

Rolls-Royce expands military engine capabilities

Defence

Rolls-Royce expands military engine capabilities

29 January 2026

Rolls-Royce is expanding its mtu Series 199 for military land vehicles into a comprehensive product family with an increased power range for new vehicles and for the repowering of existing vehicles.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Plextek joins MoD

Defence

Plextek joins MoD's DDAD framework

28 January 2026

Plextek has been selected as a supplier on the £180 million Digital Decision Accelerators for Defence (DDAD) Framework, supporting the British Army's ASGARD programme, its flagship Transformative Capability Initiative focused on battlefield decision-making and digital targeting.

Fenner Precision Polymers achieves AS9100 accreditation

Aerospace Defence

Fenner Precision Polymers achieves AS9100 accreditation

27 January 2026

Fenner Precision Polymers has achieved AS9100 accreditation for aerospace and defence manufacturing activities conducted on its site in Lincoln.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB