Renaud Capris serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Enova, a leading energy and facilities management company in the Middle East. Since taking the helm in 2019, he has driven the firm to new heights, blending global expertise with regional insights to tackle energy challenges. Enova, a joint venture between Majid Al Futtaim and Veolia established in 2002, focuses on integrated solutions that help clients save energy, cut costs, and protect the environment.
Under Capris’s leadership, the company has expanded its footprint across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), emphasizing sustainability in a region hungry for efficient resource use. His journey from engineering roots in France to leading a dynamic enterprise in Dubai reflects a passion for innovation and performance.
Renaud Capris hails from France, where he built a strong foundation in engineering. He graduated from ESME Sudria, a prestigious engineering school known for producing skilled professionals in the energy and technology fields. This education equipped him with the technical knowledge to navigate complex energy systems. While details of his early life remain private, Capris’s career choices suggest a lifelong interest in sustainable solutions. He entered the professional world with a focus on energy, drawn to roles that combined technical prowess with business strategy. His early experiences shaped a leader who values bold decisions and responsible actions.
Career Journey in the Energy Sector
Capris began his career within the Veolia Group, a global leader in water, waste, and energy management. Over nearly two decades, he held various positions in the energy business across France and Eastern Europe. These roles honed his skills in operations, strategy, and international management. Before joining Enova, he served as CEO of Siram Veolia in Italy, where he managed energy services and drove efficiency improvements. This experience prepared him for the diverse challenges of the Middle East market.
In 2019, Enova appointed Capris as CEO, succeeding Anne Le Guennec. He stepped into the role at a pivotal time, as the region ramped up efforts toward sustainability amid climate concerns. Capris quickly set priorities: accelerating energy savings, embracing digital tools, and expanding services. His background in Veolia gave him a unique edge, allowing him to infuse global best practices into local operations.
Leadership at Enova
Capris leads Enova with a clear vision: to transform resource scarcity into opportunities for growth. The company delivers comprehensive services, including energy audits, facility maintenance, and smart technology integrations. Under his guidance, Enova has grown its team to over 2,000 professionals and secured accreditations as the first Energy Services Company (ESCO) in Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Saudi Arabia. These milestones underscore Capris’s commitment to quality and innovation.
He champions digitalization, using tools like drones and smart glasses to enhance service delivery. Capris also fosters partnerships, such as the recent collaboration with Schneider Electric to advance energy solutions in the Gulf. His approach emphasizes performance-based contracts, where Enova guarantees savings for clients. This strategy has boosted the company’s revenue and positioned it as a key player in Veolia’s Middle East expansion, targeting 50% growth by 2030.
Notable Projects
Capris has overseen several landmark projects that highlight Enova’s impact. One standout initiative is the integrated facilities management (IFM) contract for the Dubai Metro and Tram. Enova maintains these vital transport systems, ensuring energy efficiency and smooth operations for millions of passengers. This project demonstrates Capris’s focus on critical infrastructure.
Another key effort involves solar PV carports in malls and hospitals across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These installations generate clean energy while providing shade, reducing electricity bills by up to 20%. Capris pushed for these as part of Enova’s sustainability drive.
In government sectors, Enova has retrofitted buildings for energy savings, including smart metering in public facilities. A notable example is the partnership with Sarten in Türkiye, marking Enova’s expansion beyond the Middle East. Here, the company optimized manufacturing processes, cutting energy use significantly.
Capris also launched HubGrade 4.0, a digital platform that monitors energy in real time for clients like shopping centers. This tool has helped major malls in Dubai achieve LEED certifications. Through these projects, Enova under Capris has saved clients millions in energy costs and reduced carbon emissions equivalent to planting thousands of trees.
Vision and Impact
Capris envisions a Middle East where smart cities thrive on efficient energy use. He often speaks at events like the World Future Energy Summit, sharing insights on sustainable solutions. His leadership has earned Enova awards, including CXO 50 for digital innovation. Beyond business, Capris promotes environmental responsibility, aligning with regional goals like the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050.
His human-centred approach shines through in team-building and client relations. Colleagues describe him as passionate and focused, always prioritizing long-term value over quick wins.
Renaud Capris continues to shape Enova’s success, turning challenges into triumphs in the Middle East’s energy landscape. From his engineering beginnings to leading a regional powerhouse, he embodies dedication and foresight. As Enova marks over two decades, Capris’s influence ensures a brighter, more sustainable future. His story inspires leaders to blend expertise with purpose, proving that thoughtful innovation drives real change.
