Meet Hannah Abend, RES’ Global Services COO

With nearly two decades of experience in the renewable energy sector—including offshore wind, tidal energy, and leadership roles at industry-leading companies—our Global Services Chief Operating Officer (COO), Hannah Abend, brings a wealth of expertise and a clear vision for the future.

This isn’t Hannah’s first chapter with RES; having worked with us previously, she has recently returned to the business with a deep appreciation for our values and a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and sustainability. In this interview, you’ll read about Hannah’s career journey, her vision for RES’ Services business, and what drives her passion for the energy transition.

1. Can you start by telling us a bit about your background and the journey that brought you to RES?
   I’ve spent over 18 years working in renewable energy, primarily in the offshore wind and tidal energy industries. Most recently, I was the Director of Growth at OWC Ltd, where I focused on expanding into new markets, developing new services, and exploring innovative business models. I’m a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and have held senior technical and business roles at companies including Iberdrola, Verdant Power, and Wood Thilsted, where I served as COO. I first joined RES back in 2010 when I moved from my hometown of Brooklyn, New York – to Europe. Alongside my professional work, I’m also a certified coach, helping people and companies with innovation and leadership.  I’m thrilled to return to RES and bring all this experience to my new role.
   
2. What attracted you to RES and the role of Global Services COO?
   Having worked at RES before, I know first-hand the company’s culture of excellence, innovation, and its genuine care for people and the environment. When the opportunity to return as COO presented itself, I couldn’t pass it up. RES is one of those rare companies that truly lives its values across its global operations. This role is a fantastic opportunity to help drive the global expansion of RES’s footprint while ensuring we continue delivering innovative, high-value solutions to our clients.
   
3. As Global Services COO, what’s your vision for RES’s Services business? What opportunities and challenges do you see ahead?
   RES is at an exciting and pivotal moment. As we continue to grow globally, we must carefully consider what to preserve from our current approach and what to evolve to ensure sustainable growth. There’s immense potential to learn from each other across regions and find common ground to deliver the best services worldwide. I look forward to tackling the challenges and opportunities ahead, reconnecting with familiar faces, and meeting new colleagues along the way.
   
4. RES values collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. How do you see these values shaping your leadership and the Services team’s work?
   These values resonate deeply with me and are a big part of why I’ve returned to RES. Collaboration ensures happy employees and clients, innovation keeps us ahead in a competitive market, and sustainability remains the driving force behind everything we do. My career has been shaped by these principles, and I look forward to continuing to grow and evolve with RES while staying true to them.
   
5. What excites you most about working in renewables and the role of Services in driving the energy transition?
   Put simply, renewables are the future. As the global scale of renewable energy projects grows, so does the importance of ensuring they operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. That’s the core role of Services, and I’m excited to join the leadership team to contribute to this vital mission.
   
6. Outside of work, what inspires you or drives your passion for sustainability and renewable energy?
   I’ve been passionate about sustainability since I was 12, when I became a vegetarian and later transitioned to veganism, driven by a belief in treating the planet with respect. I’m an avid outdoor enthusiast—whether hiking, surfing, or trekking, I find connection and inspiration in nature. For me, preserving the planet for future generations isn’t just a goal—it’s a responsibility. Nature reminds us of our interconnectedness and our duty to protect it.