Sean Haley will step down from his role as chief executive of Sodexo UK & Ireland at the end of the year.
After seven years leading the region, Haley is moving on to explore new career opportunities outside the contract catering industry.
Following Haley's departure, Jean Renton, who has served as Sodexo's chief financial officer since 2019, will step into the newly created role of chief operating officer.
Effective 1 January, Renton will assume the role of executive lead for the UK and Ireland, focusing on business transformation and overseeing the group’s 2,000 client sites across the region.
Renton, who joined Sodexo in 2013, has held several business and commercial roles within the company and chairs its SoTogether gender equality employee network. Before Sodexo, she held senior positions at John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, and PwC.
Haley joined Sodexo in 2011 through the acquisition of Atkins’ asset management business. He was appointed regional chair in 2017 and became chief executive of Sodexo UK & Ireland in 2022.
During his tenure, Haley oversaw a strong period of growth for Sodexo, with sales across its broader business bolstered this year by catering for major events such as the Rugby World Cup and the Paris Olympics.
Sunil Nayak, zone president at Sodexo Europe, said: “We sincerely thank Sean for his significant contribution to Sodexo over the last 13 years. As chair and chief executive of the UK and Ireland region, he has navigated the business through turbulent times in the market and simultaneously championed social impact, with Sodexo widely recognised as leaders in sustainability and inclusion.
“I am delighted that Jean has accepted this role to lead the region in the next phases of our strategy and transformation. Her commercial business expertise, coupled with strong executive leadership, made her the obvious choice for this position.”
Renton expressed that she was 'honoured' to take on the role.
Sodexo Live! has recently secured several significant contract wins, including a five-year deal with Nottingham Forest Football Club, a five-year agreement with Lancashire Cricket at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, and a five-year extension of its contract with Henley Royal Regatta.
In September, there were rumors that Sodexo was considering acquiring rival American caterer Aramark, but the group stated that it does not comment on market speculation.
