Sodexo makes senior management changes

Sodexo has shaken up its UK and Ireland board, with the departure of contract catering veteran Judith Davidson and the creation of a new role.

Davidson, who had been with the company since 1983, had previously been managing director of education services at Gardner Merchant, which was renamed Sodexho in 1997, before becoming Sodexo last year.

Her most recent role at Sodexo was client relations director, which she has left to pursue new opportunities. Her responsibilities have been taken on by corporate affairs director, Phil Hooper.

The contract caterer has also announced the appointment of Neil Murray to the board in the newly created position of managing director, facilities management (FM).

Murray has joined the company from facilities maintenance company GSH, where he was managing director for the UK and Eire.

Yann Coleou, chief executive of Sodexo UK and Ireland, said: “With more than 40% of Sodexo’s turnover now coming from non-food services, FM is a vital pillar of our business.

“I am confident that with Neil’s experience and knowledge, Sodexo’s reputation as a provider of cost effective FM services will continue to grow.”

Last October Sodexo rival Compass created a “one-stop shop” division in Eurest Services to provide clients with both catering and facilities services in one package, in a clear sign of the increasing importance of FM to the larger caterers.

Eurest Services won its largest contract to date earlier this month with a £63m deal with utility company National Grid.

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By Chris Druce

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