Geobear appoints Craig Macklin as UK managing director after Franki Foundations tenure

Geobear has appointed Craig Macklin as UK managing director to support growth across residential, commercial and infrastructure markets, the ground engineering specialist said. Bdaily reported the appointment on October 18, 2026. Macklin joins after 13 years leading Franki Foundations UK, where he increased annual turnover from £2.5 million to £50 million.

Macklin's Record at Franki Foundations UK

Macklin brings more than 30 years of experience in foundations, underpinning, ground improvement and civil engineering, having led major operations and specialist businesses throughout his career. At Franki Foundations UK he developed a multi-site operation employing around 150 people, and established long-standing relationships with insurers, infrastructure clients and major contractors, with repeat customers accounting for approximately 95 per cent of business.

Previously, Macklin held a senior role at Abbey Pynford, overseeing its underpinning, rail and specialist projects division while establishing a new regional operation. His experience also includes leading a £30.7 million redevelopment project at London Bridge Station for Bachy Solentanche.

In his new role, Macklin will oversee Geobear's UK operations, drawing on his technical and commercial experience to support the company's expansion across its key markets. "I've spent most of my career working in the foundations and ground engineering sector, so Geobear was a particularly exciting opportunity," Macklin said. "What stood out to me is the strength of the technology and the problems it can solve."

Otso Lahtinen, chief executive of Geobear, said: "We are excited to welcome Craig because he understands ground engineering literally from the ground up, but importantly, he understands what is required to grow and operate a specialist business successfully." Lahtinen added that Geobear is entering an important phase of its development in the UK, and that Macklin's combination of technical knowledge, commercial experience and operational leadership will help the business build on foundations already established.

Geobear's Leadership and Global Footprint

Geobear appointed Karita Laakso as chief financial officer in February 2026, succeeding Matti Tirkkonen, with a stated mandate to strengthen profitability and execute a three-year growth plan across seven active country markets, according to akta.pro company records. The company is led by Lahtinen as chief executive and owner, with Peter Luby as chief operating officer. Geobear was formerly known as Uretek and states it has completed over 100,000 projects globally, with technologies and services available in over 38 countries.

Geobear's UK Growth Phase

Geobear operationalized a fully rebranded global network from Uretek to Geobear across local country sites in the UK, US, UAE, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Ireland and China, consolidating its go-to-market under a single brand. The company also established US and California operations under California Contractor License #1079250, with localized subsidence and foundation services for Southern California homeowners.