Mark Irwin steps down as Serco's chief executive after 12 years

In early 2025, Serco, a prominent government outsourcer in the UK, announced that Mark Irwin would retire after serving 12 years with the company. Mr. Irwin's tenure included a rapid trajectory, having joined Serco in 2013 before ascending to the role of CEO in 2022, following Rupert Soames. His leadership occurred during a transformative period for Serco, which has managed contracts in security, transport, and immigration. Irwin's decision comes in light of a mix of successes and challenges, including financial recovery and controversies regarding operational efficiency. He will step down on February 28, 2025, and will be succeeded by Anthony Kirby, the current head of the UK and Europe division. The company expects an underlying profit of approximately £270 million for the latest financial year, reflecting a 9% increase from the previous year, largely attributed to strategic improvements made during Irwin’s leadership. Irwin expressed confidence in Kirby's ability to maintain this momentum. As Serco moves forward, its ongoing commitment to handling sensitive government contracts will be closely observed by stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. The leadership transition signifies a pivotal moment for Serco as it reallocates its focus in accordance with current and emerging governance expectations.