Facilities management provider ABM has promoted Richard Sykes from his position as UK and Ireland president to lead its global Facility Solutions division, the company announced this week. The appointment took effect from 1 November 2026 and forms part of a broader executive reorganisation that includes the retirement of its chief operating officer.
Sykes will now direct cleaning and maintenance, support and ancillary services, parking and transportation, and landscaping operations across Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States. He reports directly to ABM President and Chief Executive Scott Salmirs in the new role.
Key facts
- Richard Sykes appointed President, Facility Solutions, effective 1 November 2026, covering Ireland, UK and US operations
- Mark Hawkinson elevated to President, Engineering & Infrastructure Solutions in simultaneous appointment
- Chief Operating Officer Rene Jacobsen to retire after 14 years, remaining as executive advisor until 1 February 2027
- Sykes joined ABM in 2023 from facilities management provider ISS, where he held regional CEO positions
- Hawkinson has accumulated 20 years of progressive leadership experience within ABM
Dual Appointments Reshape Senior Structure
The facility management firm also promoted Mark Hawkinson to the newly created role of 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 also reports to Salmirs in his expanded capacity.
The dual promotions coincide with the planned retirement of Chief Operating Officer Rene Jacobsen, who will step down after 14 years with the organisation. Jacobsen will remain with ABM as an executive advisor until 1 February 2027 to support the leadership transition.
“Richard and Mark each bring deep industry experience, proven operational expertise and strong client relationships to these new leadership roles,” said Salmirs. “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.”
Track Records Across Facilities Sector
Sykes arrived at ABM in 2023 and has spearheaded the transformation of its UK and Ireland business unit. He established a new leadership team and refined the regional strategy to focus on priority growth markets. Before joining ABM, he held regional chief executive positions across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas at facilities management competitor ISS.
Hawkinson has spent two decades in progressively senior positions at ABM. His current remit spans businesses including facility infrastructure, mechanical services, data centres, microgrids and energy solutions, alongside the ABM Performance Solutions platform, which consolidates multiple facility, engineering and infrastructure services under a unified delivery model.
Jacobsen joined ABM in 2012 as Executive Vice President of the West Region before leading its Business & Industry group, the company’s largest segment. He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2020 and helped expand ABM’s technical capabilities and geographic reach during his tenure.
Salmirs paid tribute to Jacobsen’s contribution to the business, noting that he had 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.”
Jacobsen stated that serving as chief operating officer over the past decade had been a privilege. “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,” he said.
Reporting based on original coverage by Irish Building Magazine.