ABM’s UK and Ireland President, Richard Sykes, has been appointed President, Facility Solutions, as part of executive leadership changes effective from November 1, 2026.

Sykes will oversee cleaning and maintenance, support and ancillary services, parking and transportation, and landscaping across Ireland, the UK and the United States. He will report to ABM President and CEO Scott Salmirs.

ABM has also appointed Mark Hawkinson as President, Engineering & Infrastructure Solutions. Currently President of Technical Solutions, Hawkinson will oversee engineering, HVAC and mechanical services, and energy and power capabilities, also reporting to Salmirs.

The appointments coincide with the retirement of Chief Operating Officer Rene Jacobsen after 14 years with ABM. He will continue to support the company as an executive advisor until February 1, 2027.

“Richard and Mark each bring deep industry experience, proven operational expertise and strong client relationships to these new leadership roles,” said Scott Salmirs, President and CEO. “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 its UK and Ireland business, establishing a new leadership team and refining the regional strategy around priority growth markets. He previously held regional CEO roles across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas at facilities management provider ISS.

Hawkinson has held increasingly strategic leadership roles over the past 20 years at ABM. He currently oversees businesses spanning facility infrastructure, mechanical services, data centres, microgrids and energy solutions, alongside the ABM Performance Solutions platform, which brings multiple facility, engineering and infrastructure services together under one delivery model.

Jacobsen joined ABM in 2012 as Executive Vice President of the West Region. He subsequently led its Business & Industry group, the company’s largest segment, before becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2020. During his tenure, he helped expand ABM’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.”

“It has been a privilege to serve as COO and to have been part of ABM’s story for well over a decade,” said Jacobsen. “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.”

Pictured above: Richard Sykes, Mark Hawkinson and Rene Jacobsen.

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