What's Happening?
John Sisk & Son has announced the appointment of Leo Martin as the chief operating officer of its newly established infrastructure division, effective January 2026. Martin, who brings over 35 years of experience
in civil engineering, will report directly to the group chief executive, Paul Brown. His role will involve overseeing two business units: the existing Sisk Infrastructure arm, led by Alan Rodger, and the recently acquired Farrans business, led by Dominic Lavery. The creation of this division aims to provide executive-level oversight of Sisk's expanding civil engineering operations across the UK and Ireland. Martin's extensive career includes more than 26 years at Graham, where he served as managing director of the civil engineering division until July 2025. His leadership at Graham included significant projects such as the £140m DBFO1 Westlink scheme in Belfast and the Dunleer–Dundalk motorway in Ireland.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Leo Martin comes at a time of increasing investment in infrastructure across sectors such as energy, transport, water, and flood resilience. This strategic move by John Sisk & Son is expected to enhance its delivery capabilities in these areas, particularly with the addition of Farrans. Martin's leadership is anticipated to drive growth and efficiency in Sisk's civil engineering operations, potentially leading to more robust infrastructure development in the UK and Ireland. The expansion of Sisk's infrastructure division reflects broader industry trends towards strengthening infrastructure resilience and capacity, which is crucial for economic growth and sustainability.
What's Next?
Leo Martin will begin his role in January 2026, and his immediate focus will likely be on integrating the operations of the existing Sisk Infrastructure arm with the newly acquired Farrans business. This integration will be key to maximizing the division's capabilities and ensuring seamless project delivery. Stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector partners, may closely monitor the division's progress, especially in light of the growing demand for infrastructure improvements. The division's success could lead to further investments and expansion opportunities for John Sisk & Son.
Beyond the Headlines
The establishment of a dedicated infrastructure division at John Sisk & Son highlights the increasing importance of executive oversight in large-scale civil engineering projects. This move may set a precedent for other companies in the industry to adopt similar strategies, emphasizing the need for specialized leadership in infrastructure development. Additionally, Martin's appointment underscores the value of experienced leadership in navigating complex infrastructure challenges, which could influence hiring practices and leadership development in the sector.
