Sodexo searches for new chief executive to replace Denis Machuel

Sodexo’s has begun a search for a new chief executive, according to an announcement by board chairperson Sophie Bello. The decision is intended to enable Sodexo to strengthen its competitiveness and accelerate its transformation while confronted by post-COVID-19 challenges.

To that end, the Sodexo board has hired recruitment firm to find a successor to Denis Machuel, the current chief executive, who exercise his functions until Sept. 30. To ensure the operational continuity of the company during the search, Bellon, 59, will act as interim chief executive. She is the daughter of Sodexo founder Pierre Bellon.

"Our environment is significantly influenced by the acceleration of new consumer behaviors and trends, by digital and technological disruptions, and the emergence of new business models," Sodexo stated in a press release. "This new phase should enable the group to rapidly adapt to the expectations of its clients and consumers and return to solid, profitable, and responsible growth over the long term."

Machuel joined the Sodexo in 2007 and was appointed chief executive in January 2018.

The board salutes his efforts to relaunch the growth momentum, which was interrupted by the COVID-19 crisis, and for having initiated the group's digitalization and strengthened its CSR commitments," the board said. "During the difficult period of the pandemic, his leadership and action contributed greatly to the group's resilience and agility in weathering the crisis."

KEY FIGURES

19.3 billion euro in Fiscal 2020 consolidated revenues.
420,000 employees (as at Aug. 31, 2020)
No. 1 France-based private employer worldwide.
64 countries.
100 million consumers served daily.
11.6 billion euro in market capitalization (as of Jun. 30, 2021).