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
Tritax 300x250

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
Cranfield University
BAE Systems to produce additional Bradley A4s for US Army

Defence

BAE Systems to produce additional Bradley A4s for US Army

27 November 2025

The US Army and BAE Systems have definitised a contract modification worth over $390 million to upgrade additional Bradley A4 Fighting Vehicles.

Bourton Group appoints Glenn Gooding as Associate Partner

Aerospace Defence Security

Bourton Group appoints Glenn Gooding as Associate Partner

26 November 2025

Bourton Group LLP has announced the appointment of Glenn Gooding as Associate Partner, to enhance the consultancy’s expertise in supporting UK defence and aerospace manufacturers with operational improvement, engineering excellence and capability development.

Babcock to lead on enhancing Indonesian naval capabilities

Defence Security

Babcock to lead on enhancing Indonesian naval capabilities

26 November 2025

The UK and Indonesia have agreed a landmark £4 billion maritime deal that includes joint development of the Indonesian navy’s maritime capability, with Babcock chosen as the prime industrial partner for the new Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP).

GKN Aerospace and Swedish Defence Ministry to advance UAV demonstrator

Defence

GKN Aerospace and Swedish Defence Ministry to advance UAV demonstrator

26 November 2025

GKN Aerospace has entered into a collaborative programme with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to develop and demonstrate a flying uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) capability within the next 18 months.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Women In Defence UK 10th Anniversary award winners revealed

Defence Events

Women In Defence UK 10th Anniversary award winners revealed

26 November 2025

Women in Defence UK has announced the winners of the 10th Anniversary Women in Defence UK Awards, held yesterday, celebrating a decade of honouring exceptional women, men, individuals and teams who contribute to the defence of the United Kingdom.

BAE Systems awarded US Navy contract for Mk 41 VLS canisters

Defence

BAE Systems awarded US Navy contract for Mk 41 VLS canisters

26 November 2025

BAE Systems has been awarded a $22 million contract by the US Navy to produce missile canisters for the Mk 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS), with the total value potentially reaching $317 million.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250