Sodexo Appoints Thierry Delaporte as Chief Executive Officer
Thierry Delaporte will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of Sodexo on November 10, 2025, succeeding Sophie Bellon.
Board Announces Leadership Transition
The Sodexo Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Thierry Delaporte as the group's Chief Executive Officer. This decision, made upon the recommendation of the Nominations Committee and in coordination with the Bellon family, aims to strengthen Sodexo's leadership for a new phase of development following Sophie Bellon's four-year tenure as CEO. With this change, the role of the Board Chair will be separated from that of the CEO. Sophie Bellon will now serve as the non-executive Chair of the Board and will oversee the transition with Thierry Delaporte.
Governance Best Practices Upheld
In line with best governance practices, the Sodexo Board of Directors has decided to maintain the role of Lead Director. Starting November 10, 2025, Gilles Pélisson will succeed Luc Messier as the independent Lead Director. Gilles Pélisson is currently the Chair of the Nominations Committee, and his role will be to continue supporting the governance of the group alongside Chair Sophie Bellon and new CEO Thierry Delaporte.
Collaborative and Structured Selection Process
The selection process for Thierry Delaporte was described as collaborative and structured by Gilles Pélisson, Chair of the Nominations Committee, who emphasized Delaporte's alignment with Sodexo's values. François-Xavier Bellon, Chairman of the Board of Bellon SA, expressed his support for Delaporte, highlighting his experience and capability to lead Sodexo into a new stage of growth. Delaporte, for his part, expressed enthusiasm about leading the group and working with Sodexo's teams, clients, and partners.
