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
ODU RT

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
FIA2026 animated banner
Cambridge Aerospace to deliver Skyhammer air defence systems to UK MOD

Defence

Cambridge Aerospace to deliver Skyhammer air defence systems to UK MOD

10 April 2026

In a speech by Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, the Ministry of Defence has today announced that it is purchasing a significant number of Skyhammer air defence systems from UK-headquartered scale-up Cambridge Aerospace, with deliveries starting from May. The company has committed to delivering these units to the MOD in the next six months.

BMT partners with BAE Systems on Anzac Class Designer Support Contract

Defence

BMT partners with BAE Systems on Anzac Class Designer Support Contract

9 April 2026

BMT has announced it will be engaging with BAE Systems Australia, the prime contractor for the Design Support Contract (DSC) supporting the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac class frigates.

HENSOLDT UK secures two contracts with SRT for 50 coastal surveillance radars

Defence

HENSOLDT UK secures two contracts with SRT for 50 coastal surveillance radars

9 April 2026

Orders will deliver enhanced coastal monitoring capability using SharpEye radar technology.

Babcock awarded LAFT contract extension

Defence

Babcock awarded LAFT contract extension

8 April 2026

Babcock International Group has been awarded a four year extension to its Light Aircraft Flying Task (LAFT) contract, continuing its delivery of essential military flying training to the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Advertisement
ODU RT
Vietnam Helicopter Corporation bolsters offshore operations with Airbus

Defence

Vietnam Helicopter Corporation bolsters offshore operations with Airbus

8 April 2026

The Vietnam Helicopter Corporation (VNH)’s subsidiaries, Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South) and Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH North), have placed an order for three Airbus H225 helicopters, to support the continued expansion of its offshore energy operations, and progressively replace ageing aircraft in its fleet.

New helicopter capability delivered to British Army in Brunei

Defence

New helicopter capability delivered to British Army in Brunei

7 April 2026

Two Airbus Helicopters UK (Airbus) H145 Jupiter HC Mk2 helicopters have been delivered to the British Army in Brunei as part of a £148 million MOD programme marking the start of their journey as modern, reliable capability for operations.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner