John Theos Appointed Managing Director of Franki Group (UK) Limited

Franki Group (UK) Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of John Theos as Managing Director, effective 1 October 2026. 
 
John brings extensive experience across the geotechnical and ground improvement sectors, with a strong track record of business leadership, developing long-term client relationships and delivering innovative solutions across complex projects. 
His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Franki and Martello, bringing together two established businesses with significant technical expertise and experience across the geotechnical, piling and ground improvement markets. 
 
In his new role, John will lead the businesses through an ambitious period of strategic development, building on their established market positions while identifying opportunities to expand their capabilities, develop new client relationships and enter wider markets and sectors. 

Gavin Hunt, Group Chief Development Officer at Statom Group, said: 
“We are delighted to welcome John to Franki Group (UK) Limited. His depth of experience within the geotechnical and ground improvement sectors, combined with his commercial approach and strong understanding of client requirements, makes him an excellent fit to lead Franki and Martello into their next phase of development. 
 
John will play a key role in shaping and delivering this strategy, whilst ensuring that Franki and Martello continue to provide the high levels of technical expertise, quality and service for which they are recognised.” 

Martello Piling – innovation and specialist capability  

Martello Piling entered the UK market in 2002, introducing its Martello Method, a specialist piling technique developed to address the challenges of working in restricted headroom environments. 
 
Since then, Martello has developed significant expertise in restricted headroom, large-diameter rotary piling, establishing a strong reputation for delivering technically challenging piling solutions where conventional equipment and methods are often unsuitable. 
 
As part of its future strategy, Martello is continuing to invest in its specialist restricted-headroom fleet, incorporating new technology and engineering innovation to improve productivity, reliability and performance, whilst enabling operations in increasingly confined working environments. 
 
This continued investment will allow Martello to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in restricted-access and restricted-headroom environments, creating new opportunities for clients and contractors across the UK. 
 
Alongside its specialist restricted-headroom offering, Martello will operate as a specialist piling business focused on large-diameter rotary and CFA piling, particularly within the civil engineering and major projects sectors.

Franki Foundations – building on established expertise

Franki Foundations will continue to build on its established expertise in residential CFA piling, whilst developing its position across the wider ground improvement market. 
The business will focus on delivering technically robust and commercially effective piling and ground improvement solutions, working closely with developers, main contractors, consultants and other project stakeholders. 
 
The clearer strategic focus across Franki and Martello will enable both businesses to build on their individual strengths, whilst creating opportunities to collaborate where their specialist capabilities complement one another. 

Gavin added: 

“We have an ambitious vision for the future of Franki and Martello. We want to build on the considerable expertise and reputation that already exists within both businesses, whilst investing in technology, innovation and our people. Martello has a unique position in the market through its restricted-headroom capability and the continued development of the Martello Method, while Franki has a strong platform from which to grow its residential CFA and wider ground improvement activities."

John’s appointment forms part of the continued development of Franki and Martello, with a clear focus on strengthening their market presence, broadening their capabilities and creating sustainable long-term growth. 
 
With their combined experience and specialist capabilities, the businesses are well positioned to support clients across an increasingly diverse range of geotechnical, foundation, piling and ground improvement projects throughout the UK.