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PARIS - French food services and facilities management giant Sodexo (market cap: $9.1 billion) announced Wednesday the appointment of Thierry Delaporte as Group Chief Executive Officer, effective November 10, 2025, as part of a planned governance restructuring. The announcement comes as the company’s stock trades near its 52-week low, despite maintaining a "GOOD" financial health rating according to InvestingPro analysis.
The appointment follows a selection process coordinated with the founding Bellon family, according to a company press release. The move will separate the roles of CEO and Board Chair, with current CEO Sophie Bellon transitioning to non-executive Chairwoman. InvestingPro data shows the company has maintained consistent performance with a 4.4% return on assets and strong dividend stability, having maintained payments for 24 consecutive years.
Delaporte joins Sodexo after serving as CEO of Wipro Ltd., where he led a strategic repositioning of the IT services company. His previous experience includes multiple leadership roles at Capgemini, including Global COO and Deputy CEO, along with financial and operational positions across Europe, the U.S., and Asia-Pacific.
"I am delighted to become the next CEO of Sodexo, a global leader in food and services which is a model of entrepreneurial success," Delaporte said.
The governance change comes as Sodexo enters what it describes as "a new phase of development" following Bellon’s four-year tenure as CEO. The company will maintain its Lead Independent Director position, with Gilles Pélisson succeeding Luc Messier in this role, also effective November 10.
François-Xavier Bellon, Chairman of the Management Board of Bellon SA, the company’s controlling shareholder, expressed full support for the new leadership structure, noting that Delaporte "has all the skills and relevant experience to take Sodexo to the next level."
Sodexo reported consolidated revenues of €23.8 billion for fiscal 2024 and employs 423,000 people across 45 countries, serving 80 million consumers daily. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock currently trades below its Fair Value, presenting a potential opportunity for investors looking at this low-volatility stock with its 3.5% dividend yield.
In other recent news, Sodexo has announced a strategic partnership with EAT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming food systems. This collaboration aims to promote healthier and more sustainable eating habits on a global scale. As the exclusive partner from the food service industry, Sodexo will focus on translating scientific research into practical solutions across its operations. The company serves around 80 million consumers daily, making this partnership a significant step towards impacting global food consumption patterns. This initiative underscores Sodexo’s commitment to sustainability and aligns with broader industry trends towards environmentally conscious practices. The partnership will potentially influence the company’s long-term operational strategies. Through this collaboration, Sodexo and EAT aim to address critical issues related to food systems and consumer health.
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