Serco Inc. has named Tom Watson CEO, effective Sept. 1.
“I am humbled and excited by this opportunity,” Watson said. “Serco is an incredible company, and it is an honor to lead and work alongside the amazing people we have here. I look forward to building on the great foundation and positive growth we have established over the past few years.”
This appointment follows the announcement that Dave Dacquino, who joined Serco in 2015 and took the helm as chairman and CEO in 2017, will retire from his full-time executive role. Following his retirement, Dacquino will remain chair of the company’s board of directors in North America.
“I am grateful to have spent more than seven years with Serco, and I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to lead this team for the last five,” Dacquino said.
Watson joined Serco in April 2018 and steps into the CEO role from his position as senior vice president responsible for Serco’s North America defense business. He brings over 25 years of experience in providing services to the federal government.
Prior to joining Serco, Watson was senior vice president and general manager of SAIC’s Navy and Marine Corps Customer Group. Before joining SAIC in 1996, he worked at RCI (later acquired by Serco), providing technical and engineering support for U.S. Navy intelligence systems.
“I look forward to seeing him take the organization forward at a time when the Division has strong momentum,” said Serco Group Chief Executive Rupert Soames. “Tom has done a tremendous job leading our North America Defense business, and has demonstrated real commitment to Serco’s mission, customers, and colleagues.”