Ross Abbate

I studied as an electrical engineer in Australia and in 1996 I moved to the UK where I landed a job that involved installing access control systems. After only a few months I moved into managing an FM operation for BP and that’s where I was able to start really setting the direction and making a difference.

In 2000 I went back to Australia and joined a well-known FM provider. It allowed me to become more involved in business development and the mobilisation of a number of global clients. I joined Mace in 2007, following my return to the UK in 2006, when I was headhunted to take on the role of Business Development Manager.

I was impressed by the Mace culture, and it was clear that it was a company where I wasn’t going to be just a number which gave me the opportunity to progress to step up to Managing Director and Chief Executive level and, ultimately, it’s this ethos that’s behind our forming Macro Group in 2023.

I want our people to feel empowered to deliver the best outcomes for our clients and take the opportunity to grow and progress.

There are a number of things I really like about the business; moving into new countries, expanding, and moving with the client, seeing people move within the business and seeing people grow, and the ability to drive the business. We set our own direction and everyone is involved, people give feedback and we get different perspectives. I love working with the team we have - working together to create new ground - each day is different. We're creating the future and I really believe in the work we do and how it can enhance the workplace experience that our clients’ desire.

I have several proud moments. The first was winning Invesco in America, it was a new market for us and definitely a key moment. Winning the contract with Colt after we lost out the first time – we went back, listened to what the client was looking for and won it on the second try. And finally, winning Standard Chartered Bank. That was my ‘Love Actually’ moment - I jumped in the air and had tears to my eyes when I found out. More recently, winning Surrey County Council, our first major government win.  It’s been a huge success and I was just so proud.

Of course, all of these achievements have led me to the point where I’m in a position to found Macro Group and build a new, independent FM provider on the firm foundations that we laid whilst part of Mace. I’m extremely proud of how we got here as a business and even prouder to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

I don’t think it’s difficult to get into as you can join the business from different facets. If you want to succeed though, you have to get up and go - you need drive. It’s about outputs - I’m very output driven. You have to have motivation and believe in yourself, and if you can’t do something, ask!  

In five years’ time it would be great if I’m still here and the business has built on its new beginnings and doubled in size. I’d like to be retiring in 10 years, but I know I’d still be tinkering, still involved in some way. I’d like to be thinking about it at least.