Anthony Kirby, chief executive of FTSE 250 outsourcing firm Serco, faces ongoing scrutiny as his company manages a wide range of public-sector contracts, including contentious asylum seeker housing and defence services. Serco, which provides services from waste collection and prisoner transport to Royal Navy support, has recently drawn criticism over its use of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) to accommodate refugees, a policy aligned with government strategy to move asylum seekers out of hotels.

Kirby, who assumed the CEO role in March 2025, acknowledges the sensitive nature of Serco’s work, stating that the topic is “reasonably constantly in the news.” The housing approach has drawn criticism from political figures such as Andy Burnham, Labour’s prime ministerial hopeful, who in a recent by-election victory speech decried the “unfairness” of the immigration system and referenced areas becoming “like HMO Britain.” Reform party’s Zia Yusuf went further, condemning the use of HMOs as “morally repugnant” and alleging that Serco would refuse contracts to conduct mass deportations, a claim Kirby declined to confirm but firmly rejected as a political statement.

Kirby emphasized Serco’s longstanding partnership with successive British governments over six decades and its role in delivering critical national infrastructure services. He highlighted that the company’s contracts and operations, including deportation services, are subject to government policies and regulations, with the Home Office overseeing rent rates and placement decisions for asylum accommodation. Serco operates HMOs primarily in the North West, Midlands, and East of England, with local authorities consulted and occupancy caps enforced.

In addition to asylum housing, Serco manages five prisons in the UK, including prisoner transportation. Kirby described the challenges firsthand, recalling multiple instances of assault during his periodic work placements on the front lines to better understand operational realities. Following a recent escape of a prisoner from a Serco van in southeast London, which resulted in injuries to a guard, Kirby maintained that such incidents are rare, highlighting the company’s record of handling approximately 25,000 prisoner movements monthly with 99.8 percent punctuality.

Under Kirby’s leadership, Serco continues to pivot toward defence contracts, which now account for 65 percent of its order book. This shift follows previous efforts led by former CEO Rupert Soames to restore the company’s reputation after a fraud scandal a decade ago. Kirby expressed optimism about Serco’s defence prospects despite uncertainties surrounding the UK’s defence investment plan, citing a growing pipeline of contracts and ongoing work such as operating RAF Fylingdales and upcoming recruitment services for the armed forces. Internationally, Serco is notable for its involvement in the US Navy’s Defiant autonomous vessel program and ranks as the country’s second-largest naval ship designer due to acquisitions.

With revenue of £5 billion, all from public-sector contracts, Serco operates in 25 countries including Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and recently Australia, employing around 55,000 staff. Kirby’s approach blends operational engagement with strategic focus, balancing time between the company’s London headquarters, contract site visits, and customer meetings worldwide. His background, growing up in Knowsley, Merseyside, and rising through early management roles before joining Serco in 2017, informs his commitment to initiatives like the Pathways programme, designed to support disadvantaged individuals into employment.

Despite political challenges and public criticism, Kirby stresses Serco’s dedication to delivering value for the government and taxpayers, adapting to evolving policies while pursuing sustainable growth in core sectors.