Rafael Amaral

Executive Vice President at RNWBL

For more than 15 years, Rafael Amaral has contributed to advancing the renewable energy sector, actively supporting the deployment of utility-scale power systems across multiple continents. As an electrical engineer, he learned early that in this field, trust is earned through consistent performance in real-world environments. Power must remain stable, systems must operate reliably, and teams must deliver safely and on time.

Rafael currently serves as Executive Vice President at a renewable energy company, with full P&L responsibility for approximately $220 million across field services, project delivery, repowering, and asset management in the wind, solar, and battery storage sectors throughout North America.

From Engineering Foundations to Executive Accountability

Rafael's career began in Brazil, where he graduated as valedictorian with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Universidade Salvador. Early experience in designing electrical systems, high-voltage substations, and critical power infrastructure helped him build a strong understanding of how energy systems behave under stress and high demand.

That technical foundation became a key asset during the transition to large-scale renewable operations. In these environments, technical decisions, no matter how minor they may seem, can have significant operational consequences. His early knowledge proved valuable in ensuring efficient and reliable performance.

In 2011, Rafael joined a global energy services provider, where he spent nearly 10 years advancing through a series of leadership roles. He began by managing wind turbine commissioning and site operations, overseeing the delivery of key equipment, coordinating engineering efforts, and engaging directly with customers. As the company expanded, he led service teams across multiple countries in Latin America, eventually assuming regional P&L leadership for a $10 million business with approximately 120 employees. Through managing teams in remote areas, he gained practical insight into defining and maintaining the operational structures required for success in diverse environments.

Leading at Scale Across Regions and Borders

Rafael's first global leadership role marked a transition from regional operations to company-wide coordination. As Global Renewables Resource Director, he was responsible for workforce planning for an international team of about 1,600 field professionals across 25 countries. This included forecasting labor needs, advancing training programs, and tailoring operational manuals to meet the requirements of each local context.

Later, he took on global operations leadership for renewables, managing an annual portfolio valued at nearly $190 million. His focus shifted to achieving consistent performance across regions with distinct regulatory, logistical, and cultural dynamics. He treated lean practices and continuous improvement not as concepts, but as practical tools to reduce inefficiencies, enhance safety outcomes, and preserve margins.

Rafael Amaral of Florida then moved into regional leadership in North America and later the broader Americas, leading organizations with over 1,200 employees and revenues up to $160 million. In these positions, he consistently worked to balance growth, delivery capabilities, and customer satisfaction. This was especially important as renewable portfolios in mature markets expanded significantly year over year.

Driving Integration and Performance at RNWBL

Rafael joined his current company during a period marked by growth and increased operational complexity. In early 2024, he led initiatives to integrate more than 10 recently acquired companies into a single, cohesive platform. This work involved aligning leadership structures, internal systems, and operational processes, all while continuing to meet performance and financial expectations across a $220 million portfolio.

Later that year, he became Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he oversaw construction and operations across wind, solar, and battery storage projects throughout the U.S. and Canada. His mission was to stabilize project execution, improve performance through targeted technologies, and prepare the business for the planned scale of growth.

Today, his responsibilities span operations, business development, and market strategy across Field Services, Projects, and Asset Management. His approach centers on execution, long-term asset performance, and reliability. For him, renewable energy investments succeed only when assets perform as designed.

Education, Perspective, and Community

Alongside his engineering background, he holds an MBA with concentrations in Finance and Project Management from Fundação Getulio Vargas. He has also participated in executive education programs at Yale University, the University of Michigan, GE Crotonville, Eckerd College, and the University of Florida. These learning experiences have helped enhance his leadership perspective and financial acumen while staying grounded in operational realities.

Rafael is a licensed Electrical Engineer in Brazil and holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Fluent in both technical and business communication, he works effectively with engineering teams, financial partners, field crews, and customers, translating complex issues into decisions that can be clearly implemented.

Now based in Florida, he brings a global outlook to his local surroundings. His personal and professional ties to the region shape his views on leadership, responsibility, and the long-term value of sustainable work.

A Leader Shaped by Execution

Rafael Amaral has built his career on execution, accountability, and continuous learning. He has led through change, navigated complex environments, and maintained a steady focus on results. His story is a reminder that in renewable energy, technical integrity and follow-through are essential, and strong leadership remains the foundation for delivering lasting impact.