The State Group Appoints Growth Architect Brian Jones as CEO to Lead Expansion

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – December 29, 2025 – The State Group, Inc., a prominent North American multi-trade services contractor, today announced a significant leadership transition aimed at accelerating its next phase of growth. The company has appointed Brian Jones, a seasoned construction industry executive with a formidable track record, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 5, 2026.

Jones will succeed Michael Lampert, who has led the company for the past five years. In a move designed to ensure strategic continuity, Lampert will transition to the role of Executive Chairman and remain on the Board of Directors. This dual leadership structure signals a deliberate strategy to blend fresh, growth-oriented leadership with seasoned institutional knowledge as the company navigates a period of unprecedented market opportunity.

A Proven Record of Transformative Growth

Brian Jones arrives at The State Group with over 25 years of experience and a reputation as a leader who can scale industrial service companies at an impressive rate. His most recent tenure as President and CEO of Gray Construction serves as a powerful testament to his capabilities. During his five years in the top role, Jones spearheaded a period of explosive growth, driving a nearly 300% increase in revenues from just over $1 billion to more than $5 billion. Under his leadership, the company also expanded its workforce by 170%.

Jones's career at Gray is a story of upward momentum, having started as a civil engineering intern in 1999 and progressing through nearly every operational role, from field engineer to Chief Operating Officer, before his appointment as CEO in 2020. This deep, hands-on experience has shaped a leadership philosophy centered on accountability, empathy, and building trust. His achievements earned him the "Young Construction Engineer of the Year" award from the University of Kentucky in 2010, highlighting his long-standing impact on the industry.

"Leading The State Group has been the highlight of my career," Lampert stated in the official announcement. "We are thrilled to welcome Brian Jones as our new CEO. He is a dynamic, forward-thinking leader whose experience aligns with our strategic goals. The board and I have full confidence in Brian's leadership and his ability to guide The State Group into its next chapter."

Jones expressed his readiness to take on the new challenge. "I'm honored to join The State Group at such a pivotal time," he said. "The company has built a strong foundation of trust and performance. I look forward to delivering even greater value to our customers."

Capitalizing on a Booming Infrastructure Market

The leadership change comes as the industrial services sector experiences robust growth. The North American market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 8%, driven by sustained spending on modernizing aging infrastructure, the widespread adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, and a rising trend of outsourcing complex maintenance and operations.

Three sectors in particular, all central to The State Group's expertise, are seeing explosive demand:

• Energy Transformation: The market for energy transition projects is surging, with some estimates projecting a CAGR of over 9% through 2035, fueled by corporate sustainability goals and the electrification of transport and buildings.
• Data Centers: North American data center construction has grown at a 20% CAGR since 2017, creating immense demand for the specialized electrical and mechanical services that The State Group provides.
• Critical Infrastructure: The market for Critical Infrastructure Protection is forecast to reach over $200 billion by 2033, as governments and private enterprises invest heavily in securing essential systems.

Founded in 1961, The State Group is already well-positioned in these areas. The company provides essential electrical, mechanical, and automation services for clients across automotive, e-commerce, healthcare, and heavy industry, with a long history of serving the renewable energy sector and a growing focus on e-mobility charging infrastructure.

A New Era Backed by Strategic Investment

Jones's appointment is the latest in a series of strategic moves underscoring the company's ambitious growth agenda. In November 2024, Apollo Funds acquired a majority stake in The State Group through its Impact and Clean Transition strategies. This acquisition by a major investment firm with a clear focus on sustainability and decarbonization provides The State Group with significant capital and strategic alignment to aggressively pursue opportunities in the green economy.

The firm's recent acquisition of Delta Services LLC, a Kentucky-based electrical contractor, further demonstrates a strategy of inorganic growth to expand its geographic footprint and service capabilities. The appointment of a CEO known for scaling businesses is the logical next step in executing this vision.

Under Jones's leadership, The State Group is expected to leverage its new financial backing and deep industry expertise to further penetrate high-demand markets. His experience in managing large, complex projects and his focus on operational excellence are seen as critical assets for capitalizing on the current infrastructure boom. With a clear mandate for expansion and the resources to achieve it, Brian Jones's leadership signals the start of a defining new era for the multi-trade services contractor.