Sodexo Welcomes 24 Interns Under 10,000 Black Interns Programme
FM company Sodexo is welcoming 24 paid interns as part of the 10,000 Black Interns Programme. The premise of 10,000 Black interns is to offer transformative career...
Read Full ArticleSodexo has announced the loss of its founder and Chairman Emeritus, Pierre Bellon, on January 31, 2022 in Paris, at the age of 92.
An official statement reads: “Sodexo shares the grief of his wife Nani, of their children Sophie, Nathalie, François-Xavier and Astrid, and of their grandchildren.”
Sophie Bellon, Chairwoman of Sodexo’s Board of Directors and interim CEO, added, “Our father was a builder, a pioneer, a free spirit who was never afraid of taking risks. He raised us, my sisters Nathalie and Astrid, my brother François-Xavier and myself, to believe that nothing is impossible. He taught us humility, curiosity, respect and courage.
“He was obsessed with the long term, but he was also very hands-on. Nothing made him happier than spending time with our teams on site. The mission and values of service spirit, team spirit and spirit of progress which he gave Sodexo are part of our fundamental principles and will continue to guide the Group.”
Born in 1930, Pierre Bellon graduated from French business school HEC and began his career in his father's maritime supply company in Marseilles, his hometown. He foresaw the sector's decline and decided to take charge of transforming the family business according to his vision: “to create a convivial experience around the lunch table that enhances quality of life.”
In 1962, he invented a new business model in France, corporate catering, and created ’Repas Service’, a small meal delivery business for the Marseilles area.
Pierre Bellon founded Sodexo in 1966. He was also National President of the Centre des Jeunes Dirigeants [Center for Young Business Leaders] from 1968 to 1970, and Vice President of MEDEF (Movement of the Enterprises of France) from 1980 to 2005. In 1987, he founded the Association Progrès du Management (APM), which promotes progress in business by supporting the development of business leaders. As Pierre Bellon said, “the APM has become a movement, an “entrepreneurial state of mind” in its own right”. In 2011, he created The Pierre Bellon Foundation for Human Development, recognized today for its public service.
In 2005, Pierre Bellon retired as CEO of Sodexo, but he continued in his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors until January 2016, when he was succeeded by his daughter Sophie. He then became Chairman Emeritus of Sodexo.
Sodexo has created a virtual condolence book where you can write a message or post a photo to celebrate the life of Pierre Bellon.
Picture: a photograph of Pierre Bellon Image Credit: Sodexo
Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 01 February 2022
FM company Sodexo is welcoming 24 paid interns as part of the 10,000 Black Interns Programme. The premise of 10,000 Black interns is to offer transformative career...
Read Full ArticleSodexo’s catering, retail and soft services FM contract with Queen’s Hospital in Romford has been extended for a further five years. Sodexo has delivered...
Read Full ArticleThis month’s new appointments from the FM, built environment and commercial property world feature Portico, Pareto FM and Sodexo. Picture: a...
Read Full ArticleBESA is marking National Apprenticeship Week 2023 by encouraging employers to pledge to take on at least one new apprentice this year. Recent government research found...
Read Full ArticleOrganisations are striving to reduce their carbon footprint, and with food waste topping waste streams, the reduction and prevention of food waste should be a priority...
Read Full ArticleOne of the world’s largest chemical companies, BASF, has awarded a two-year extension to its soft and hard FM services contract with Sodexo. The contract is for...
Read Full ArticleTo mark Veganuary 2023, Sodexo has published its food sales data showing a year-on-year increase in the proportion of vegetarian and vegan meals sold across 476 of its UK...
Read Full ArticleJoanna Harris is a Senior Programme Manager and Hard FM Ambassador at Sodexo and is well known for her voluntary work and advocacy for business-focused maintenance....
Read Full ArticleTom Martin, Contract Manager for Student Living by Sodexo at Northumbria University, has been named Young Leader of the Year at the 2022 PFM awards. Tom joins a list...
Read Full ArticleFM leaders from Churchill Services, Mace and Sodexo have been recognised for their contribution to the business world as military veterans. At the fifth annual British...
Read Full Article