Sodexo has appointed Natalie Bickford as its new human resources (HR) director for the UK and Ireland.

Bickford, who joins the contract caterer in March, was previously HR director at pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. 

Bickford replaces Andrew Patrick who has been promoted to HR Director for Europe.

She said: “I am very much looking forward to joining Sodexo at such an exciting time in the growth and development of the business.”

Last month the contract caterer rebranded as Sodexho from Sodexho Alliance, in part to mark its growth internationally into the facilities management market.

In January rival Compass Group announced its long serving HR executive director Mike Burton was leaving the company. He has been succeeded by Woolworths Group HR director Robin Mills.

For more sector news see our contract catering round up here >> 

Sodexho Alliance renamed Sodexo >> 

Compass HR executive director Mike Burton to leave >> 

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By Chris Druce

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