The Leading News & Information Service For The Facilities, Workplace & Built Environment Community

Sodexo Announces Passing of Founder and Chairman Emeritus Pierre Bellon

Sodexo Announces Passing of Founder and Chairman Emeritus Pierre Bellon
01 February 2022
 

Sodexo 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.” 

 

The Life of Pierre Bellon

 

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. 

 

Virtual Condelence Book

 

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

Share


Related Tags


Related Articles

Sodexo Signs New FM Contract With AstraZeneca

Sodexo has re-signed a five-year facilities management and food services deal with pharmaceutical and biotechnology company AstraZeneca. The companies have worked...

 Read Full Article
Sodexo Retains FM Contract With Wellington College in Berkshire

Sodexo has re-signed a ten-year soft FM contract with private school Wellington College in Berkshire. The contract is worth approximately £80 million and...

 Read Full Article
Catering Companies Prepare for World’s Largest Climate-Football Campaign

A national campaign will see more than 85 of the UK’s top football clubs promote plant-based burgers, pies and hotdogs. Between 2-5 February, the whole of the...

 Read Full Article
Sodexo Announces Year-On-Year Increase in Popularity of Meat-Free Meals

Across the 2.7 million meals sold in Sodexo’s UK and Ireland client sites in 2023, 11 per cent were vegan or vegetarian, an increase of one per cent from...

 Read Full Article
Sodexo Issues Net-Zero Deadline to Suppliers

Sodexo has stated that it will only work with suppliers who demonstrate tangible net-zero progress “through published reporting” in the future. As part of...

 Read Full Article
Sodexo Re-Signs Four Year Cleaning Contract With Clifton College

Sodexo has extended its existing FM deal with Clifton College in Bristol, adding cleaning and laundry services to the contract. The contract, which has a value of...

 Read Full Article
Sodexo Research Says UK Employees Still Prefer Remote Working

New research from Sodexo shows that the majority of workers are happy with working in a hybrid pattern. Two thirds of those surveyed said they were satisfied with...

 Read Full Article
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 Article
Sodexo Renews FM Contract at Queen’s Hospital in Romford

Sodexo’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 Article
New Appointments in Facilities Management – February 2023

This month’s new appointments from the FM, built environment and commercial property world feature Portico, Pareto FM and Sodexo.   Picture: a...

 Read Full Article