When JSM opened its Design Hub in Faridabad, near Delhi, the reasoning was straightforward: more design capacity, closer to a deep pool of electrical engineering talent, and greater delivery resilience for clients when programmes ramp up. Six months on, that intent has turned into day-to-day delivery, with a growing local team producing electrical design for JSM projects and selected external clients. 

Where it started

The hub was fitted out to support up to 30 design employees, with recruitment phased over the months that followed. Michael Booth, CEO, and Dave Rough, Chief Development Officer, travelled to India for the opening, meeting the local team and reviewing the completed workspace, a visit that marked the formal start of operations and set the tone for how the UK and India teams would work together. 

Six months of progress

The major roles are already filled: design leadership and BIM modelling are in post, alongside further senior appointments made or due to join. That gives the hub coverage across primary and secondary design, cable design, civil design and CAD draughting in both 2D and 3D, the disciplines a substation scheme needs end to end. Recruitment continues in step with the project pipeline, with lead, senior and engineer-grade roles still opening across those disciplines as the hub scales. 

The team is already supporting live work, including two 132kV data centre designs for the UK and one 110kV data centre design in Germany. The pattern of work is consistent: substations, grid connections and data centre power. 

Led locally, integrated globally

Somansh Sharma manages the Faridabad office day to day. The hub works to the same technical assurance, quality assurance and delivery controls as every other part of the business, so shared governance and repeatable ways of working carry across borders rather than being rebuilt locally. India is not a separate outpost. The hub complements JSM’s design capability in the UK, where design co-ordinators run schemes through delivery, and it allows the group to grow that capability at a faster rate than would otherwise be possible. 

Building depth of capability

Faridabad was chosen for its infrastructure and its proximity to two leading engineering universities, giving JSM access to a steady pipeline of emerging talent. The office itself sits on a major highway with a metro station five minutes away, making it straightforward for people to travel in, work together and build their careers in one place. Over time, that combination is what allows capability to deepen rather than simply headcount to rise.

The next six months

The priority is growth: from six today towards the 30 the office was fitted out for. The next round of recruitment is focused on a lead cable systems engineer and a lead protection design engineer, a senior cable systems engineer and a senior civil engineer, cable systems and civil engineers at engineer grade, and two further BIM modellers. Substation design remains the core of the work, with the team built around engineers who can deliver it consistently, supported by mentoring from the wider business. 

For clients, the hub delivers more capacity when workloads spike, faster response across time zones, and the resilience of a globally integrated team, all underpinned by consistent engineering standards. It is a deliberate step in scaling JSM responsibly: improving certainty, speed and quality for the organisations that trust us to deliver. 

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JSM Academy has officially launched its new Transformational Leadership Programme, with around 10 senior leaders from across the business attending Day one of the programme. The programme is being delivered in partnership with John Bullock of Solution Focused, our trusted training partner, and marks an important step in JSM’s continued investment in leadership capability and organisational growth. This group of leaders will embark on a structured development journey designed to strengthen their ability to lead from the front, inspire high-performing teams, and drive sustainable change across the business. The programme focuses on modern, practical leadership approaches that reflect the evolving demands of today’s workplace. Throughout the programme, leaders will explore a range of key subject areas, including:
  • Team Leadership – building trust, accountability, and collaboration.
  • Influencing & Communication Skills – leading with clarity, confidence, and impact.
  • Visionary Leadership – setting direction and inspiring others to deliver the future vision.
  • Corporate & Leadership Responsibility – leading ethically and responsibly.
  • Personal Development Planning – embedding learning into day-to-day leadership practice.
Day one set the foundation for the months ahead, encouraging open discussion, reflection, and a shared commitment to personal and professional growth. Participants were challenged to think differently about leadership, their impact on others, and how they can role-model JSM values in everything they do.
The Transformational Leadership Programme has been a real eyeopener. It’s pushed me to reflect on how I lead, communicate, and support my team, not just in the big moments, but in the everyday interactions that shape our culture. I’m already applying the tools we learned on Day one, and I can see the difference they’re making. – Riaz Cadersaib, Head of Pre-Construction.
This programme represents a significant milestone for JSM Academy and reinforces our commitment to developing strong, capable leaders who can support both people and performance as the business continues to grow.

JSM Group is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant milestone in the company’s journey. The incoming CEO, Michael Booth, will lead the business alongside Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder John Scanlon and Chairman John Leahy, as the company continues to build on its strong foundation and ambitious growth strategy.

Michael Booth served as JSM Group’s Chief Financial Officer since February 2025, playing a key role in shaping the company’s financial strategy and supporting its expansion into new markets. With a deep understanding of the infrastructure sector and a proven track record of leadership, Michael steps into the CEO role with the support of shareholders, TowerBrook Capital Partners, and Chairman, John Leahy, with immediate effect, reflecting JSM Group’s commitment to continuity and long-term growth.

Commenting on his appointment, Michael Booth said:

I’m honoured to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer at such a pivotal moment in JSM Group’s journey. Having worked closely with Stuart, John, and the wider leadership team, I’ve seen first-hand the strength of our people and the scale of opportunity ahead. As CEO, my focus will be on integrating our capabilities, communicating with clarity, continually evolving to meet industry demands, solving complex challenges, and driving meaningful outcomes for our clients and communities. These values are at the heart of JSM Group, and I’m excited to lead with them as our guide.

Stuart Wiltshire, who founded JSM Group in 1998 with brothers John and Mark Scanlon, is stepping-down due to ill-health but will continue to support the business with strategic oversight and guidance. Under their leadership, JSM Group has grown into a leading infrastructure services provider, with Mark Scanlon playing a pivotal role in the early success of the business before his departure in 2019 to pursue new ventures.

John Scanlon, COO and Co-founder, will work closely with the new CEO to ensure a smooth transition and continued operational excellence. Together, they will focus on strengthening JSM Group’s position both in the UK and overseas, with a particular emphasis on supporting the growth of data centre infrastructure and renewable energy projects, two key pillars of the company’s future-facing strategy.

Commenting on the transition, Stuart Wiltshire said:

It has been an incredible journey building JSM Group with John and Mark. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and excited to support the next chapter of growth from a distance. With Michael and John at the helm, I’m confident the business is in excellent hands.

The appointment of the new CEO reflects JSM Group’s commitment to evolving its leadership to meet the demands of clients and a dynamic industry while staying true to its founding values.