Kai Skvarla
Senior Vice President International Maritime and Defense Programs, Serco
Kai Skvarla is at the helm of Serco’s international maritime and defense growth strategy. In his pivotal role, he collaborates closely with Serco’s Regional CEOs and their maritime business unit leads to shape and execute the company’s global defense strategy.
Since joining Serco, Skvarla has been instrumental in working with sector leads from Serco’s geographically organized divisions to establish and refine its global maritime strategy. His efforts have empowered regional management teams to leverage existing skills and capabilities, generating significant new business opportunities worldwide.
“In today’s increasingly global market, characterized by growing demand and resource scarcity, we face a dynamic operating environment where governments must rapidly evolve to meet their capability objectives,” Skvarla said. “Leadership remains consistent in its core: looking ahead, positioning talented individuals to contribute effectively, and removing barriers that hinder progress.”
Why Watch
Serco stands out as a well-managed, high-performing company with immense potential, and Skvarla is a key driver in unlocking that potential through organic growth. With over 25 years of experience in both government and industry, Skvarla has a deep understanding of the factors that influence the successful delivery of government projects. He is renowned for his sound decision-making, effective leadership and ability to build strong relationships with customers, partners, and colleagues.
Skvarla’s exceptional tolerance for uncertainty, his goal-oriented mindset, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to influence and align stakeholders are central to his success in driving performance and overcoming complex technical and business management challenges.
As a provider of services to the government, Serco is dedicated to making a positive impact on the future.
“In an increasingly complex world, we positively impact the future by designing solutions that are responsive to the needs of government, leveraging the skills of our talented people, and utilizing technology appropriately,” Skvarla said.
He takes immense pride in leading teams that deliver value to governments, saying, “I derive great satisfaction from leading teams that fulfill national needs. It’s always a journey, and ultimately, it’s about solving tough problems alongside talented individuals.”
Fun fact: An aspiring amateur economist, Skvarla loves reading business books and avidly consumes podcasts and newspapers about global markets. He also enjoys DIY projects around the house, though he admits the best moments in most of his home projects, much like in shipbuilding, are “when you start and when you finish.”