MYworldfix

Sodexo has announced a significant leadership transition, with Thierry Delaporte taking over as the new group CEO. This appointment, effective November 10, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for the global food and services giant as it embarks on a strategic governance restructure. The company aims to navigate a new phase of development, building on the foundation laid by outgoing CEO Sophie Bellon. The restructuring involves a clear separation of the roles of board chairwoman and CEO, a move designed to enhance corporate governance and strategic focus. Bellon will assume the role of non-executive chairwoman, facilitating a seamless handover of responsibilities to Delaporte.

Delaporte's appointment is a testament to Sodexo's commitment to strategic evolution and strengthening its leadership. His extensive international background and proven track record in major global corporations are expected to bring fresh perspectives and drive innovation. This leadership change comes at a time when companies are increasingly focused on robust governance models to ensure long-term sustainability and growth. The transition is poised to empower Delaporte to steer Sodexo through its next chapter, with the full backing of the board and the Bellon family, ensuring continuity and renewed strategic direction for the company's future endeavors.

Sodexo's Strategic Governance Evolution

Sodexo's decision to appoint Thierry Delaporte as its new group CEO is a strategic response to the company's desire to enter a fresh era of growth and development. This move is intricately linked to a significant restructuring of its governance model, which involves clearly delineating the responsibilities of the chairwoman of the board and the chief executive officer. Sophie Bellon, who has led Sodexo for four years, will transition into a non-executive chairwoman role, overseeing the seamless integration of Delaporte into his new position. This reconfigured leadership structure is designed to bolster strategic oversight and operational efficiency, providing a robust framework for Sodexo's future trajectory.

The strategic shift reflects Sodexo's proactive approach to corporate leadership, aiming to optimize its operational and strategic decision-making processes. By separating the roles, the company seeks to enhance accountability and focus within its executive and governance functions. Delaporte's appointment is a cornerstone of this new phase, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous role as CEO of Wipro, an Indian IT powerhouse. His global perspective, honed across various international markets including Europe, the US, South America, and Asia-Pacific, positions him uniquely to lead Sodexo in navigating complex global challenges and capitalizing on new opportunities in the food and services sector. Bellon's continued presence as non-executive chairwoman will ensure institutional memory and strategic guidance, underpinning a stable yet forward-looking leadership transition.

Thierry Delaporte: A Visionary Leader for Sodexo's Future

Thierry Delaporte's journey to becoming Sodexo's new group CEO is marked by a distinguished career in global business, culminating in his recent leadership of Wipro, a prominent Indian IT firm. His professional trajectory began at Arthur Andersen, followed by a significant tenure at Capgemini, where he held various chief financial officer positions across different regions. This diverse financial background equipped him with a deep understanding of complex corporate operations and strategic planning, essential qualities for leading a global enterprise like Sodexo. His subsequent operational roles at Capgemini, including CEO of the global outsourcing division and CEO of the financial services global business unit in the US, further broadened his executive capabilities.

Delaporte's extensive experience also includes serving on Capgemini's leadership team as global chief operating officer and deputy CEO from 2018 to 2020. This comprehensive background in finance, operations, and strategic leadership across multiple continents makes him an ideal candidate to steer Sodexo into its next chapter of development. His enthusiasm for his new role and his admiration for Sodexo's entrepreneurial success underscore his commitment to fostering growth and innovation. Delaporte is eager to engage with Sodexo's teams, clients, and partners, signaling a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to leadership. His appointment is expected to infuse new energy and strategic direction into the company, building on its legacy of excellence in food and services while adapting to evolving global market demands.