Sodexo’s new UK boss vows to revitalise food offer

The new UK and Ireland chief executive of contract caterer Sodexo has vowed to reinvigorate the company’s catering offer.

Aidan Connolly, who has replaced Yann Coleou in the role, told Caterersearch it was time to remind the market about how good the company’s food could be.

Connolly, who has been promoted from finance director, said he believed the company had lost a bit of confidence about its catering, despite an excellent track record, and needed to “shout about it” more.

“I want to look again at the things we used to do, such as having centres of excellence, which we no longer have, as it’s a pity,” he said

Connolly said the company would also continue to focus on its growing expertise in facilities management, especially within the specialised area of “hard services”, which includes building work and lift maintenance.

He stressed that, while the recession was certainly impacting the market and would mean reduced contract churn, business was generally holding up well.

“The business and industry sector is not collapsing, and although it’s hard to make margins there are still opportunities,” Connolly said.

Connolly said the leisure sector had been hit hardest with consumers reluctant to pay out on sports packages, and corporate sponsors such as the banks were not taking up seat allocation to avoid being seen to be entertaining during such as difficult economic time.

Connolly, who joined Sodexo in February 2007, was previously finance director of travel agent MyTravel UK. He will continue to carry out finance director duties while a replacement – expected to be appointed by August - is sought.

Coleou has left to focus exclusively on the integration of the recently acquired Radhakrishna Hospitality Services Group in India.

Sodexo closes £33m Ireland schools deal >>

Sodexo appoints new UK and Ireland chief executive >>

Catering giants tune in to FM for revenue growth >>

Sodexo becomes equity partner in £12b defence project >>

By Chris Druce

E-mail your comments to Chris Druce here.