Ground Control plans ambitious expansion as it announces senior management changes

Ground Control has announced a number of senior appointments as it embarks on an ambitious three-year growth plan.

Jason Knights Ground Control has announced a number of senior appointments as it embarks on an ambitious three-year growth plan.

This growth is being spearheaded by newly appointed chief executive officer, Jason Knights, who, as managing director, has driven the business to new heights while staying rooted in its core purpose of delivering meaningful environmental outcomes.

Under his leadership, the business has organically grown from £120m to a projected £225m in revenue in 2025/26, alongside improvements in EBITDA and consistent gross margins, demonstrating a sustainable growth strategy.

Mr Knights says his appointment is part of a broader leadership transition, as the company strives to pioneer human nature at its best and change how business is done.

Ground Control’s success is built on the hard work, dedication and expertise of our people and field teams, while being bold in doing the right thing for our people, planet and sustainable growth.

We’ve embraced technology to revolutionise how environmental services are delivered, improving sustainability and benefiting the sectors and communities we serve.

Ground Control operates across maintenance, infrastructure, utilities, landscaping, and energy. Its market-leading maintenance division includes the UK’s largest private gritting businesses, while infrastructure is set to generate £70m next year. As a Tier One supplier to Network Rail and National Highways, strong recurring revenue, high NPS, and renewal rates highlight its trusted reputation.

The company has strategically invested in innovative technology and people development, laying the foundations for long-term growth, ensuring the business remains agile and forward-looking.

Mr Knights is confident this investment and expansion in both service lines and geography will see the business scale turnover to over £300m in the next three years, building on its success in Ireland and strategic partnerships formed earlier this year with Concept Engineering - drilling and geotechnical services and River and Rural Ltd.

I’m excited for the future; we’re right at the forefront of change and have ambitious plans rooted in using business as a force for good – we want to ‘walk the talk’ when it comes to living by our values and making a difference.

We aspire to be a digital leader when it comes to delivering environmental services, using intelligent tech with our high-performing teams to realise the art of the possible and deliver major environmental gains at speed.

Additional board changes include Simon Morrish transitioning to non-executive chairman as he steps back from his CEO role, succeeding Martin Leuw, who departs after six years. Following Martin’s invitation to join Ground Control six years ago he has successfully supported Jason’s execution of the executive team transition/succession and enabled the implementation of an ambitious business plan which is now complete. Marcus Watson and Melissa Hungerford will also be stepping down.

The board will welcome Lisa Blakey, who joined the business as group HR director 18 months ago, and Martin Nilsson, who joins as chief financial officer replacing Freddie Wepener who leaves the business in June.

Paying tribute to the outgoing board members, Mr Morrish says:

Their contributions have been integral to shaping Ground Control into the business it is today, and we extend our sincere gratitude for their dedication.

This leadership transition represents a natural progression for the business, with Mr Morrish expressing full confidence in Mr Knights’ proven track record of success.

Since joining as managing director in 2020, Jason has effectively led the business, and this announcement simply formalises that. His focus on sustainable growth, innovation, caring for our environment, and investing in our people has built a resilient, future-ready organisation, well-positioned for continued success.

Newly appointed to the board, Lisa Blakey reiterates how a focus on having the best people and investing in their development will be key to future growth.

We’re already renowned for being one of best places to work in the sector, and we won’t stop there. We're creating a high-performing culture that breaks the traditional mould of industry stereotypes, with transparent career paths and a goal of 80% internal promotions over the next three years.