ABM, a leading provider of facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions, today announced the following executive leadership changes, effective November 1, 2026, designed to drive continued growth leveraging the Company’s pipeline of talented executives.
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Rene Jacobsen has decided to retire as Chief Operating Officer. Jacobsen joined ABM in 2012 as Executive Vice President of the West Region and went on to lead the Business & Industry group, the Company’s largest segment, before being named Chief Operating Officer in 2020. He will continue to support the Company as an Executive Advisor through February 1, 2027.
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Richard Sykes, Senior Vice President and President of ABM U.K. & Ireland, will assume the newly created role of President, Facility Solutions, reporting to Scott Salmirs, President and CEO. In this role, he will oversee cleaning and maintenance, support and ancillary services, parking and transportation, and landscape across the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland, aligning the Company’s global capabilities, resources, and execution with client needs.
- Richard Sykes
- Mark Hawkinson, President of Technical Solutions, will assume the newly created role of President, Engineering & Infrastructure Solutions, also reporting to Salmirs. In this role, he will oversee ABM’s technical services and infrastructure capabilities, including Engineering, HVAC and mechanical, and Energy and Power, to further grow and enhance ABM’s specialised technical expertise, standards, quality, and execution.
Scott Salmirs, President and CEO, said:
“Richard and Mark each bring deep industry experience, proven operational expertise and strong client relationships to these new leadership roles.“ABM has a strong foundation and a clear roadmap for growth, and these appointments reflect the depth of our leadership team and are well-aligned with our future trajectory.“Together, Richard and Mark will provide focused, experienced leadership across key areas of our business, and I am excited for them to lead our operations as we continue driving possibility for those we serve every day.”
Sykes joined ABM in 2023, leading the transformation of ABM’s U.K. & Ireland business, establishing a new leadership team, and refining the regional strategy with a focus on priority growth markets, driving strong business performance, and strengthening the talent pipeline. Prior to joining ABM, Sykes served in a variety of regional CEO roles across Europe, APAC and the Americas at global facility management provider ISS.
Hawkinson has held increasingly strategic leadership roles over the past 20 years at ABM, currently overseeing ABM’s fast-growing businesses across facility infrastructure, mechanical, data centres, microgrids and energy solutions, as well as the ABM Performance Solutions platform, which brings together multiple facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions under one streamlined delivery model.
During his tenure, Jacobsen helped lead ABM through a period of significant strategic and operating progress, including the expansion of the Company’s technical capabilities and geographic footprint.
Salmirs added:
“Rene has been central to strengthening ABM’s operating foundation and discipline, advancing collaboration across our businesses and developing the leadership bench that will support ABM’s continued momentum.“His leadership has made a lasting impact, and I am deeply grateful for his dedicated service and partnership.“I wish him a well-earned and fulfilling retirement.”
Rene Jacobsen said:
“It has been a privilege to serve as COO and to have been part of ABM’s story for well over a decade.“What makes ABM so special is the focus and execution of our team in serving our clients, supporting our team members, and growing our business.“This commitment is exemplified by leaders like Richard and Mark, who are well positioned to build on our reputation of service excellence.”