Lanes Group poised for next chapter as CEO steps down. 2 June 2026 DRAINAGE and wastewater specialist Lanes Group has announced that CEO Wayne Earnshaw is to step back from the day-to-day management of the business and take up a new role as vice-chairman for strategy. Since joining in 1992, Wayne has helped transform the business from a team of 15 employees into a leading organisation employing more than 4,000 people, with annual revenues exceeding £650 million. A major milestone was reached in 2024 when the firm secured investment from BlackRock, marking the beginning of a new phase of growth. Lanes said that with the business well-positioned for the future, and with the full support of the board, executive team and investors, Wayne has decided to step back from the day-to-day management of the group. Joanne Gretton will replace him as CEO on June 29. She most recently served as CEO of Telent Technology Services, where she led the company's sale to M Group. "I'm excited to be joining Lanes Group at such an important time for the business," Jo stated. "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." Wayne 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."

Drainage giant Lanes names ex-Telent chief as new CEO. Aaron Morby 2 hours ago Lanes Group has appointed former Telent chief executive Jo Gretton as its new chief executive officer, ending more than three decades under the leadership of Wayne Earnshaw. Gretton will take over on 29 June as the UK's biggest drainage and wastewater maintenance specialist prepares for its next stage of growth following BlackRock's investment in the business last year. Gretton will work alongside Earnshaw to ensure a smooth transition before formally taking charge at the end of June Earnshaw, who joined Lanes in 1992, oversaw the specialist's expansion from a 15-strong workforce into a business employing more than 4,000 people with revenue of more than £650m. He will move into the newly-created role of vice-chairman for strategy. The leadership handover marks a significant milestone for the privately-owned contractor, which has strengthened its position in the wastewater and infrastructure services market in recent years. Gretton joins from Telent Technology Services, where she served as chief executive and recently led the business through its sale to M Group. Her background spans the delivery of critical infrastructure services across the UK and Ireland. Lanes said Gretton brings extensive experience of leading large-scale operational businesses, delivering organisational change and driving 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." Earnshaw added: "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."