Sodexo and Brakes deny reports of ill feeling as Jansen’s move is delayed

Sodexo Europe boss Philip Jansen’s move to food wholesaler Brakes has been delayed by several months, with “bad blood” between the businesses blamed for holding up the move.

Jansen, currently Sodexo’s group chief operating officer in charge of Europe, was originally scheduled to take the helm at Brakes on 1 February this year, succeeding Frank McKay, following his retirement.

But both companies have confirmed that the start date has now been moved back to the summer, although no specific date has been set.

One industry source close to the situation told Caterer that the delay was a result of animosity between the caterer and the supplier.

“There seems to have been some bad blood over Philip’s move, to the point where he has had to delay joining Brakes by several months,” the source said.

A statement released from Sodexo verified the change in plans but refuted the suggestion of ill feeling. “Philip is now leaving Sodexo in June and Brakes is happy with this arrangement,” it said.

A Sodexo spokesperson added that the reason for the rescheduling was that Jansen, who has previously held senior roles at Dunlop Slazenger, Telewest and MyTravel, has taken longer than expected to wind things up at the facilities and food service management firm.

Meanwhile, James Armitage, head of marketing at Brakes, confirmed that Jansen’s start date has been postponed but said that he was unable to comment on the cause of the delay.

“He is definitely joining in a couple of months. There is no official start date yet, but it will be some time in the summer,” he added.

Food chief to join rival >>

Brakes: Supplier Profile >>

Caterer TV - Interview with Philip Jansen of Sodexho >>

By Janie Stamford

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