Meet Jean Claude Robert, RES’ SVP Services North America

Meet Jean-Claude Robert, Senior Vice President of Services for RES in North America. In this interview, he shares his insights on the evolving energy landscape, the importance of digitalisation, and what makes RES a leader in renewable services.

Could you start by sharing a bit about your background and what led you to join RES?

After starting my career as a process engineer designing polymer plants and then moving to a commercial role in the fossil fuel energy space, I finally had the opportunity to work in the renewable energy sector, and I haven’t looked back since.  I joined General Electric’s wind business in 2008 as a commercial leader in Schenctady, NY and soon after was asked to start-up  GE’s wind business in Latin America, starting with Brazil.  I moved from the USA to Brazil in 2010 and after an incredible 10 years leading GE’s Latin America wind business, I decided to join Rio Energy, a Brazilian renewable energy developer/operator, where I served as COO responsible for engineering, construction and O&M.  Being responsible for the energy production of over 600 MWs of wind energy taught me how important the relationship between the operator and the service provider really is to the life cycle of a renewable project. 

So, when the opportunity presented itself to join RES and contribute to make it the leading services provider in North America, I didn’t hesitate.  I don’t know of any independent service provider that brings the breadth of expertise, innovation, track record and global reach that RES does, and I hope that my experience will contribute in achieving our goals.

What attracted you to RES and the role of SVP of Services for North America?

RES’ reputation as a leading independent renewable company that prioritizes long-term sustainability and operational excellence is well known to anyone in the sector.  Specifically in North America, RES has a proven track record as a leader in project development and construction.  So, when the opportunity presented itself to help grow our North America Services business into the premier service provider in the region, I was thrilled.  It’s not going to be easy and we’ll need to overcome challenges, but when you get the chance to be part of a growth story, you take it.  Over my first two weeks I have had the opportunity to get to know both our local and global teams and have been impressed by their passion and commitment to making renewable energy more efficient, reliable and impactful and in the process make our goals a reality.

As the Director of Services for North America, what’s your vision for RES’s Services business? What opportunities and challenges do you anticipate moving forward?

My vision is to establish RES as a world-class services provider in North America, backed by a team dedicated to maximising the value of renewable assets while enhancing our reputation as a trusted industry partner. Leveraging technology including AI and data analytics presents a major opportunity to optimize performance and maintenance. Meanwhile, we face industry challenges such as supply chain shifts, evolving regulations, and talent competition, but RES’ strong culture of innovation and collaboration gives me confidence that we can turn these into opportunities.

RES gives great importance on collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. In what ways do you think these values influence your leadership and the work of the Services team?

These values have always been fundamental to my leadership approach, which is why I feel such a strong alignment with RES. Collaboration is essential for building high-performing teams and ensuring strong alignment with clients. I believe in fostering an open, team-oriented culture where individuals feel empowered to contribute their expertise and ideas. Innovation drives progress. To me, fostering a mindset that challenges the status quo and continuously seeks improvement is the most valuable contribution we can make. And sustainability is at the core of everything we do. I hope to continue learning from these values that I admire so much from RES and now they form part of me too.

After your extensive experience in large and renowned companies, what do you think you can bring to RES based on that career trajectory?

I bring a unique perspective, having worked for both a global conglomerate and a regional developer—two very different worlds. At GE, I gained expertise in processes, operational rigour, and working with diverse teams on a global scale. At Rio Energy, I learned agility, adaptability, and the hands-on responsibility of fixing problems directly.

Leading operations across Latin America and globally has given me deep insight into market dynamics, business growth, and team integration. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, I build strong connections across cultures to drive alignment and collaboration. At RES, I want to leverage this experience to enhance our services offering, expand our reach, and implement best practices that deliver real impact.

What excites you most about working in renewables and the role of Services in driving the energy transition?

Being part of the solution, the future of energy depends on the actions we take today. Ensuring that services play a vital role in the energy transition by maximizing asset longevity, enhancing efficiency, and minimizing downtime is essential. Being part of a team that actively drives renewable energy adoption and creates a meaningful impact on sustainability is both exciting and deeply fulfilling.  We have an opportunity to make a difference for generations to come, what more can you ask for.

What motivates you or drives your passion for sustainability and renewable energy outside of your professional life?

Living and working across different regions has given me firsthand insight into how climate change and energy policies impact communities and daily life. This isn’t just a professional mission—it’s a personal one. I have always believed that we have a responsibility to care for the world rather than exploit it irresponsibly.

As a child, I joined classmates in regular beach cleanups. As a university biology student, I took part in field trips to assess the health of local ecosystems. Now, as a professional, I have the privilege of working alongside outstanding peers to be part of the climate solution.

The motivation behind both my personal and professional commitment comes from the same place: a deep sense of duty to future generations.