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
ISTEC collaborates with SiNAB on complex weapons systems

Defence

ISTEC collaborates with SiNAB on complex weapons systems

14 May 2026

Complex weapons integration specialist ISTEC Services Ltd, has signed a key collaboration agreement with Australian defence technology company SiNAB Pty Ltd.

British Army to receive 72 RCH 155s

Defence

British Army to receive 72 RCH 155s

14 May 2026

Seventy-two Remote Controlled Howitzers (RCH 155) will be procured under a nearly £1 billion contract, which includes initial training and in-service support, awarded by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) on behalf of the British Army to ARTEC GmbH, a joint venture between KNDS and Rheinmetall.

UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Strait of Hormuz mission

Defence

UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Strait of Hormuz mission

13 May 2026

Defence Secretary John Healey MP has outlined the UK contribution to the multinational Strait of Hormuz mission, with Britain deploying autonomous mine hunting equipment and cutting-edge counter drone systems, along with Typhoon jets and HMS Dragon, as part of a future defensive mission to secure freedom of navigation in the Strait.

Canada awards Avon Protection respiratory solutions contract

Defence

Canada awards Avon Protection respiratory solutions contract

13 May 2026

The Government of Canada has awarded Avon Protection a five-year contract for the MITR-M1 Half Mask, MITR-PF Compact Particulate Filter and accessories.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Chevrolet Silverado HD added to Team LionStrike

Defence

Chevrolet Silverado HD added to Team LionStrike's UK defence portfolio

13 May 2026

The strategic collaboration between BAE Systems, GM Defence and NP Aerospace - Team LionStrike - formed to develop light utility and tactical vehicle options for British Armed Forces, has added the Chevrolet Silverado HD to its UK defence offerings.

Rowden receives £25m from National Wealth Fund

Defence

Rowden receives £25m from National Wealth Fund

13 May 2026

The UK's National Wealth Fund today announced a £25 million investment in Bristol based British engineering company, Rowden, its first directly supporting defence, national security and resilience.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB