RES Group appoints new head for Australia region

PRESS RELEASE

Global renewable energy company RES has announced the appointment today of two new regional CEOs, following the division of its EMEA region. Rachel Ruffle, previously Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, will become CEO for Northern Europe – UK & Ireland, Germany and Scandinavia. Macro Perona, previously EMEA Commercial Director, becomes CEO for Southern Europe and Australia – France, Turkey and Australia.

After several months of handover, Marco and Rachel have replaced Jean-Marc Armitano who has stepped down from RES after 20 successful years with the company. Jean-Marc joined RES as a development partner in 1998 and became a senior executive of the Group after the acquisition by RES of their joint-venture in 2004. From 2008 to 2014, Jean-Marc led RES’ Mediterranean region and, since then, has overseen the EMEA region.

Jean-Marc commented: “It has been a fantastic journey for me with RES! I am so proud of what we have collectively built over the last 20 years and to have contributed to establishing a culture and values which truly make RES a unique company. I strongly believe RES is ideally positioned to continue to lead in this rapidly evolving market and I am extremely happy with the decision of the Group to promote Rachel and Marco who have been key senior members of the EMEA executive team. I have no doubt they will thrive in their new roles and will further expand RES’ position in these markets”.

Globally, RES expects renewable energy to grow rapidly as technology costs continue to fall, with an increasing role for highly-skilled and agile independent renewable energy companies. By splitting the EMEA region, RES will be best placed to support a wide range of clients looking to invest in this fast-moving market.

Rachel takes on the role after more than 20 years in the business. Most recently as Managing Director of the UK and Ireland business, where she has been responsible for RES’ wind, solar and storage portfolio including project development, sales, construction, operations and maintenance and asset management. Outside of RES, Rachel Ruffle is a member of the Advisory Committee for The Renewable Infrastructure Group (TRIG) and a Director of the trade association, RenewableUK.

Rachel commented: “I’m really excited to take on this new role. As renewables become the most cost-effective option as well the clean, green choice, the opportunities in our industry are huge. I’m looking forward to helping RES continue to play a leading role as our industry continues its rapid growth.”

Marco joined RES in 2013 as Director of Business Development for the Mediterranean region before moving into the Commercial Director role for EMEA where he oversaw transactions, raising equity and debt financing, as well as business development and M&A activities in the region. More recently Marco oversaw the fast-growing Australian market, as Managing Director and then Chairman of RES in Australia.

Marco commented: “First of all I, want to pay tribute to Jean-Marc, with who I have had a very strong and fruitful collaboration working with him these last five years. I am honoured to become CEO of the Southern Europe & Australian region and, in stepping into this new role, I will bring my contribution in continuously shaping the organisation, adapting it to the very exciting and fast-moving environment we are in, with a constant focus on delivering excellence to our customers. In doing this, I know I will be able to count on the dedication, passion and competence of the local teams, all willing to contribute to bring RES’ business to the next level”.