Theos takes over as managing director of Franki Group UK just over a year after Statom snapped up the specialists from Belgian contractor BESIX.
His arrival fires the starting gun on a fresh growth push, with the two businesses sharpening their focus on distinct parts of the piling market.
Martello will chase civil engineering and major projects through large-diameter rotary and CFA piling, alongside its specialist restricted-headroom work.
Franki will target growth in residential CFA piling and push deeper into ground improvement.
Theos became managing director of Bauer Technologies in October 2023 after seven years heading Bauer’s Americas region and an earlier spell running its Canadian business. Prior to that also held senior UK roles at Expanded Piling and Keller.
Statom group chief development officer Gavin Hunt said: “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 is pumping investment into its restricted-headroom fleet to boost productivity and tackle tighter working spaces.
Its Martello Method, introduced to the UK in 2002, enables large-diameter rotary piling on sites where conventional rigs cannot operate.
Statom bought Franki Foundations UK, including Martello Piling and Able Piling, in September 2025, when Franki was heading for annual turnover of around £40m.
Hunt added: “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.”
