Sodexo’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Thierry Delaporte as Group Chief Executive Officer effective November 10, 2025. This follows the recommendation of the Nominating Committee, after a thorough selection process, coordinated with the Bellon family.
This governance evolution will reinforce Sodexo’s leadership as the Company is entering a new phase of its development, following Sophie Bellon’s four-year tenure as Chief Executive Officer.
As part of the evolution of the governance structure, the role of Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, will be separated from that of Chief Executive Officer. Sophie Bellon will act as non-executive Chairwoman for the duration of her mandate and will ensure a smooth transition with Thierry Delaporte.
Consistent with governance best practices, the Board of Directors will maintain the Lead Director position. Gilles Pélisson, Chair of the Nominating Committee, will succeed Luc Messier as Lead Independent Director, effective November 10, 2025.
Sophie Bellon, Sodexo Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and CEO: “Over the past years, we have successfully carried out major structural changes. I am deeply grateful to the Sodexo teams for their engagement and hard work. We are ready to open a new chapter in the growth history of the Company. In preparation for this next phase, we engaged a while ago into a governance reflection and started working on a succession process for the CEO role. I, together with the Board and my family, have full confidence in Thierry Delaporte’s leadership. He will be fully empowered to drive the next stage of Sodexo’s development. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Luc Messier for his important role as Lead Independent Director.”
Gilles Pélisson, Independent Director, Chair of the Nominating Committee: “Thierry Delaporte’s appointment is the result of a collaborative and structured process. Thierry Delaporte emerged as the best leader to drive the next stages of Sodexo’s growth. He has extensive experience in driving international and people intensive businesses, combined with a deep understanding of the U.S. market, a proven track record in delivering strong and profitable growth, and a strong fit with Sodexo’s values. We want to express our most sincere gratitude to Sophie for her decisive action over the recent years.”
François-Xavier Bellon, Chairman of the Management Board of Bellon SA: “The dissociation of governance is a new step forward. We are excited to welcome Thierry Delaporte as the new CEO of Sodexo. Thierry Delaporte has all the skills and relevant experience to take Sodexo to the next level. He can count on the full support of Bellon SA to achieve the ambitious plan he will design. Our common ambition will be to drive enhanced growth, improve profit margin and strengthen market share. The Bellon family is grateful for Sophie’s structural bold decisions as CEO.”
Thierry Delaporte: “I am delighted to become the next CEO of Sodexo, a global leader in food and services which is a model of entrepreneurial success, that I have always admired. I am grateful to the Board of Directors, the Bellon family and Sophie Bellon for their trust. I approach this new opportunity with a high level of enthusiasm and energy and I am eager to meet the Sodexo teams, clients and partners.”
A conference call for analysts and investors was held at 8:30am (CET) on October 9, 2025. Listen to the replay of the webcast
