Facilities management company ABM has appointed Richard Sykes, who led the firm’s UK and Ireland operations, to oversee facility solutions across Ireland, Britain and the United States from 1 November 2026. The leadership changes follow the retirement of Chief Operating Officer Rene Jacobsen after 14 years with the organisation.
Sykes, who joined ABM in 2023, will assume the role of President, Facility Solutions, covering cleaning and maintenance, support and ancillary services, parking and transportation, and landscaping operations. He will report directly to ABM President and CEO Scott Salmirs. The announcement marks a significant expansion of responsibilities for Sykes, who transformed the company’s UK and Ireland business by establishing a new leadership team and refining regional strategy around priority growth markets.
Key facts
- Richard Sykes appointed President, Facility Solutions, effective 1 November 2026
- Mark Hawkinson named President, Engineering & Infrastructure Solutions in concurrent appointment
- Rene Jacobsen retiring as Chief Operating Officer after 14 years, continuing as executive advisor until 1 February 2027
- New leadership structure covers operations across Ireland, United Kingdom and United States
- Sykes previously held regional CEO roles across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas at ISS
Hawkinson Takes Engineering Leadership Role
Alongside Sykes’s appointment, ABM has named Mark Hawkinson as President, Engineering & Infrastructure Solutions. Currently serving as President of Technical Solutions, Hawkinson will oversee engineering, HVAC and mechanical services, and energy and power capabilities. He has spent two decades at ABM, progressing through increasingly strategic leadership positions and currently manages businesses spanning facility infrastructure, mechanical services, data centres, microgrids and energy solutions.
“Richard and Mark each bring deep industry experience, proven operational expertise and strong client relationships to these new leadership roles,” Salmirs stated. “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.”
Jacobsen Retires After Transforming Operations
The business restructuring coincides with Jacobsen’s departure from operational duties, though he will remain as an executive advisor until early 2027. Jacobsen joined ABM in 2012 as Executive Vice President of the West Region before leading the company’s Business & Industry group and becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2020. During his tenure, he helped expand ABM’s technical capabilities and geographic footprint while strengthening the firm’s operating foundation.
Salmirs praised Jacobsen’s contribution to developing the leadership team and advancing collaboration across business units. Jacobsen reflected on his time at the organisation, noting that ABM’s commitment to client service and team member support is exemplified by leaders such as Sykes and Hawkinson.
Prior to joining ABM, Sykes held regional CEO roles at facilities management provider ISS, gaining extensive international experience across multiple continents. His appointment to the expanded role recognises his success in repositioning ABM’s operations in Ireland and Britain around strategic growth markets and building a leadership team capable of executing that vision.
Reporting based on original coverage by Irish Building Magazine.