Alex Verjee takes on role as managing director of Sodexo UK & Ireland’s universities business.
She joined the French contract catering group in 2011 in its health and care division, building catering and FM partnerships with NHS and private healthcare providers.
Since 2017, she has focused on universities and independent schools, most recently serving as partnerships director before her promotion.
She will continue to oversee the provision of food, facilities management, and student accommodation services across the higher education sector.
Tracey Smith, chief executive of schools and universities, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Alex is well-known and respected within the industry. Having created strong client relationships which has helped drive the retention of contracts, we look forward to her future success in driving growth in the higher education sector.”
Simon Knight continues to oversee Independents by Sodexo as managing director and remains part of the business’ Schools and Universities Executive Leadership team. Sian Thompson, who previously assumed responsibility for the Universities division, has been appointed PFIs and Compliance Director.
Sodexo Health & Care has recently renewed its long-standing contract with Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
During the first half of 2025, Sodexo UK & Ireland added several major contracts to its portfolio, among them HMRC in the western region and East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).
Sodexo was founded in Marseille, France, in 1966 by Pierre Bellon.