Clancy Group looks to the third generation with new man in charge

One of the UK’s largest privately-owned civil engineering firms has moved to the third generation of the family with the appointment of the latest chief executive.

Clancy Group has put Matt Cannon in charge - the grandson of founder Michael Clancy who started the company in 1958. Cannon first joined the group’s civil engineering business, Clancy Docwra in 2004, working across key clients including Thames Water, Anglian Water and South East Water before becoming chief operating officer in 2016.

He takes over from Seamus Keogh who is stepping down after nearly 20 years on the board and his appointment builds upon a wider restructure within the group, which is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary, including the recent appointments of Nick Blaber as chief financial officer and Jon Loveday as chief commercial officer.  

Cannon will take responsibility for leading the Clancy Group’s operating companies, Clancy Docwra Ltd and Clancy Developments Ltd, as well as Clancy Plant Ltd which is held separately from 1 February 2019.

Commenting on his new position, he said: “At The Clancy Group we are incredibly proud of our 60-year success story, underpinned by strong long-standing relationships with our customers, exceptional workmanship and a fantastic team. My focus will be leading the board to build on these strengths, deepening existing partnerships and developing new ones across our core markets, supporting our customers, and securing our own future growth. The Clancy Group is a family and I am very proud to follow in my Grandfather’s and my Uncles’ footsteps.  They have built a fantastic business and it is a privilege to be given the opportunity to undertake this role."

Before joining the business, Cannon had a successful career as a professional rugby union player for London Irish and represented England 7’s. 

As part of the wider restructure within the group, Ian Gray will become Clancy’s first independent non-executive director and brings significant expertise in advising businesses in a series of senior roles.

The Clancy Group PLC’s joint chairmen, Dermot and Kevin Clancy, said: “These changes pave the way for the next generation in the Clancy Group’s journey, ensuring we have the team and experience in place to support our vital work of building and maintaining the UK’s national infrastructure. Our business model of directly employing our workforce sets us apart from the majority of our competitors and those services are in high demand as we enjoy a record secured order book of £1.2 billion.”