How New Sodexo CEO Will Lead New Era Of Governance

Sodexo, global food and facilities management leader, has announced the appointment of Thierry Delaporte as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 10 November 2025. 

The move marks a pivotal leadership transition as the company embarks on a new phase of growth, with a renewed governance model and a sharper focus on performance and expansion.

The decision comes after a thorough selection process led by Sodexo’s Nominating Committee, in coordination with the Bellon family, the company’s founding shareholders. 

Thierry brings with him a wealth of global executive experience, most recently serving as CEO of Wipro Ltd., where he drove operational transformation and accelerated profitability.

A strategic appointment for a new chapter

Sophie Bellon, who has held the dual role of Chair and CEO for the past four years, will step back from executive responsibilities and continue as non-executive Chairwoman of the Board. 

The transition underscores the company’s confidence in Thierry’s ability to lead the next stage of its global strategy.

“Over the past years, we have successfully carried out major structural changes,” said Sophie. “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.”

The appointment is seen as a strong signal of Sodexo’s intent to boost innovation, improve profitability, and strengthen its market share.

Gilles Pélisson, Independent Director and Chair of the Nominating Committee, praised the process and the outcome: “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.”

A leader with global perspective

Delaporte’s career spans several continents and industries. From his early days at Arthur Andersen to nearly two decades at Capgemini, where he held CFO and CEO roles, Delaporte has consistently driven transformation and growth. 

According to Sodexo, at Wipro, he redefined the company's operating model and market approach, reinforcing his reputation as a strategic leader with a global outlook.

The appointed CEO said: “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 modern approach to leadership

In addition to the CEO appointment, Sodexo is adopting a dissociated governance model – a significant structural shift aimed at reinforcing transparency, accountability and long-term strategy execution. 

Under this model, the roles of Chair of the Board and CEO are formally separated, aligning with evolving global governance best practices.

This separation is intended to create clearer lines of responsibility and improve the Board’s ability to independently oversee management. 

Sodexo has confirmed that Sophie Bellon will serve as non-executive Chairwoman, while the Board will retain the role of Lead Independent Director to further ensure balance of power and oversight. 

François-Xavier Bellon, Chairman of the Management Board of Bellon SA, said: “The dissociation of governance is a new step forward. We are excited to welcome Thierry Delaporte as the new CEO of Sodexo.

“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.”

With this appointment, Sodexo is not only entrusting a new leader with the company’s strategic future but also embracing a governance structure designed to meet the challenges and opportunities of a fast-evolving services industry.