Richard R. Riopel

Richard R. Riopel is an accomplished executive and dynamic commercial leader with over 25 years of expertise in driving growth, operational excellence, and strategic transformation in the energy services and infrastructure sector. He serves as the Senior Director of Growth for the West & Midwest Region at Cordia Energy, leading the origination of new projects, strategic client relationships, and regional growth initiatives. At Cordia, he specializes in behind-the-meter, district, and distributed energy solutions, including microgrids, CHP, and renewable integrations.

Richard holds a degree in Geological Engineering from École Polytechnique de Montréal and has a proven track record in project and operations management, business development, and commercial leadership. He has held senior management roles with leading companies including Technip, Baker Hughes, Emas Chiyoda, ITP Interpipe, Fugro, and Nextia Energy, gaining extensive experience in delivering large-scale projects and managing complex operations globally.

His career spans onshore and offshore oil and gas, civil engineering, EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) infrastructures, and energy projects, including hydroelectric dams, pipelines, roads, and industrial facilities. Richard excels at bridging technical, operational, and commercial gaps, ensuring seamless execution of large and complex projects.

With international experience living and working across North and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Richard is fluent in French, English, Portuguese, and Spanish. His multicultural perspective enhances his ability to integrate diverse viewpoints into business strategies, penetrate new markets, and foster collaboration in global teams.

Richard’s leadership style emphasizes building cohesive teams, forging lasting partnerships, and mitigating operational and financial risks. His ability to drive transformative results and align organizational goals with market opportunities underscores his reputation as a visionary strategist and trusted leader in the energy industry.