FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Drainage and wastewater network maintenance service provider, Lanes Group, has announced an important new chapter in its continued growth and development, with the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer as Wayne Earnshaw moves into a new role as Lanes Group’s Vice Chairman for Strategy.
Wayne Earnshaw, Lanes Group Chief Executive Officer, due to take up a new role as Vice-Chairman for Strategy
For more than three decades, the business has been guided by Earnshaw, whose leadership, expertise and commitment have been instrumental in shaping its success.
Since joining in 1992, Earnshaw has played a central role in transforming Lanes Group from a team of 15 employees into a leading organisation employing more than 4,000 people, with annual revenues exceeding £650 million.
Under his leadership, Lanes Group has consistently evolved and strengthened its market position. A significant milestone was reached in 2024 when the business secured investment from BlackRock, marking the beginning of a new phase of growth. Since this investment, Lanes Group has continued to deliver strong performance, supported by ongoing investment across the business.
With the business well-positioned for the future, and with the full support of the board, executive team and investors, Earnshaw has decided to step back from the day-to-day management of the group.
Jo Gretton, Lanes Group Chief Executive Office designate. She will take up the role on 29 June 2026
Succeeding Earnshaw in the role of CEO of Lanes Group is Joanne Gretton, who joins the company with significant leadership experience, most recently serving as CEO of Telent Technology Services, where she led the business’s successful sale to M Group.
Gretton brings a strong track record of leading a complex organisation through change, developing high-performing teams, creating an engaging and supportive workplace, and delivering enhanced shareholder value.
She said: “I’m excited to be joining Lanes Group at such an important time for the business. The company has a strong reputation, fantastic people and a clear commitment to customers. I’m looking forward to building on that as we continue to grow and invest in the future.”
Gretton will formally assume her role on 29 June 2026. In the interim, she will work closely with Earnshaw and the wider executive team to ensure a seamless transition.
Earnshaw commented: “It’s been a privilege to lead Lanes Group and I’m hugely proud of everything we’ve achieved together. I’m delighted that Jo is stepping in as CEO. She brings the right experience, energy and leadership to take the business forward. I’m excited to see her lead Lanes Group into its next chapter.”
FM teams are having to manage more sites, contracts and client expectations with the same number of people. AI isn’t replacing those people: it’s absorbing the coordination overhead that was stealing their time.
On Tuesday 16 June at 11:00am, askporter and FMJ will be holding a webinar which brings together FM leaders who are already using this tech, to discuss what is changing, what is not, and how the future looks for teams that get this right.
Sign up today! Register for the webinar here.
Can’t make it no problem…
Simply sign up and after the webinar has been broadcast, we will send you a link to watch the recording.
