A history of growth and success
Pierre Bellon launched Sodexo in Marseilles (France) in 1966. Founded on more than 60 years experience in maritime catering for luxury liners and cruise ships, the Sodexo vision was to take the same high service standards into staff restaurants, schools and hospitals. So began the Sodexo success story.
1966
Pierre Bellon launches Sodexho, in Marseilles, founded on the Bellon family's experience of more than 60 years in maritime catering for luxury liners and cruise ships. Operations initially serve staff restaurants, schools and hospitals.
1968
Sodexho operations commence in the Paris (France) area, based on a 60-year family tradition.
1971-1978
International expansion begins with a contract in Belgium, followed by creation and development of the Remote Site Management business, first in Africa, then in the Middle East.
Sodexho's Service Vouchers business is initiated.
1983
An Initial public offering of Sodexho shares is made on the Paris Bourse.
1985-1993
Sodexho establishes activities in the Americas, Japan, South Africa and Russia, while strengthening its presence in the rest of Central Europe.
1995
Sodexho becomes the world market leader in food service, thanks to alliances with Gardner Merchant in the United Kingdom and Partena in Sweden.
Sodexho enters the Chinese market in
Shanghai
.
1997
The group's holding company changes its name to Sodexho Alliance.
Sodexho Alliance joins forces with Universal Ogden Services, the leading remote site service provider in the
United States.
1998
Sodexho Alliance shares are accepted into the Paris Bourse.
Sodexho Marriott Services is founded, with Sodexo holding 48.4% of the outstanding shares. The new company is positioned as the North American market leader in food and management services.
2000
Sodexho Alliance appoints Albert George as Chief Operating Officer.
Sodexho Alliance and Universal Services merge to form Universal Sodexho, becoming the leader in remote site management.
2001
Sogeres (France) and Wood Dining Services (USA) join Sodexho Alliance.
Sodexho acquires 53% of the share capital of Sodexho Marriott Services, which changes its name to Sodexho, Inc.
2002
In April 2002, Sodexho Alliance shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
2003
Jean-Michel Dhenain and Michel Landel are appointed Group Chief Operating Officers, succeeding Albert George.
2004
The succession plan for Pierre Bellon is put into place.
The Board of Directors announces that effective from September 2005, the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer will be separate functions.
Operations commence in
Thailand
.
2005
On September 1 2005, Michel Landel becomes Chief Executive Officer with Pierre Bellon continuing as Chairman of the Board.
Sodexho opens a New Zealand office in Auckland.
2006
Sodexho celebrates its 40th birthday and its positioning as the world leader in food and facilities management services. This milestone is an opportunity to reflect on four decades of extraordinary growth and the evolution of a small family business into a global market leader.
2008
In 2008, the Group changes its name from Sodexho Alliance to "Sodexo".
Sodexo rejuvenates its visual identity to fit its leading market position and strategic objectives, including a simpler, contemporary logo design.
