Rene Jacobsen

 
Educational Background
 

René Jacobsen has built an impressive career over more than 30 years, primarily within the facility service and Integrated Facility Management (IFM) industry. His journey began with an educational foundation in economics, having earned a Master of Science degree from Copenhagen Business School, where he studied from January 1980 to January 1985.

 
Early Career at ISS A/S
 

René's career trajectory demonstrates his ability to handle large-scale operations and lead diverse teams. He began his professional journey at ISS A/S, where he held multiple positions, starting as a Branch Manager in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1987. Over time, he rose through the ranks to become Division President by 1997, gaining significant experience and skill in managing complex service organizations.

 
Senior Roles Between 1997 and 2012
 

Between January 1997 and January 2012, René held several senior roles in different companies. These included Division President at G4S in Denmark, President of REMCO Maintenance, LLC in New York, and Executive VP at Coor, operating in the UK and Nordic markets. He also served as Executive VP & COO at Temco Service Industries, Inc., also based in New York. Each of these roles contributed to his deepening expertise in managing acquisitions, business development, and operational turnarounds.

 
Tenure at ABM Industries
 

In 2012, René joined ABM Industries, a leading provider of facility solutions. He took on increasingly significant roles within the company, starting as Executive Vice President West. He then became the EVP and President of the Business & Industry group, overseeing a $3 billion operation and 65,000 employees. His responsibilities grew larger when he was promoted to EVP & Chief Facilities Services Officer in 2019, managing a $6 billion business.

René’s capabilities were recognized with his next promotion to Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) in November 2020. In this role, he oversees an $8 billion operation, leading over 140,000 employees across North America and the UK. His responsibilities span diverse sectors such as commercial real estate, technology, manufacturing, aviation, education, sports, entertainment, and banking.

 
Key Skills and Accomplishments
 

Throughout his career, René has demonstrated a strong aptitude in strategic planning, business development, change management, and operational leadership. His extensive skill set includes managerial finance, contract negotiation, and project management, among others. René's ability to steer organizations through complex acquisitions and successful turnarounds highlights his leadership and strategic thinking, which have been critical to his enduring success in the industry. For those wanting to delve deeper into his professional journey, additional details can be found on his LinkedIn profile.