History
In 1966 Pierre Bellon launched Sodexo, in Marseille, founded on the Bellon family's experience of more than 60 years in maritime catering for luxury liners and cruise ships. Operations initially served staff restaurants, schools and hospitals.
1968
Operations commence in the Paris area.
1971-1978
International expansion begins with a contract in Belgium. Development of the Remote Site Management business, first in Africa, then in the Middle East. Sodexo's Service Vouchers business starts up.
1983
Initial public offering of Sodexo shares on the Paris Bourse.
1985-1993
Sodexo establishes activities in the Americas, Japan, South Africa and Russia, and reinforces its presence in the rest of Central Europe.
1995
Sodexo becomes the world market leader in food service thanks to alliances with Gardner Merchant in the UK and Partena in Sweden.
1997
The group's holding company changes its name to Sodexo Alliance.
Sodexo Alliance joins forces with Universal Ogden Services, the leading remote site service provider in the United States.
1998
Sodexo Alliance shares are accepted into the Paris Bourse.
Founding of Sodexo Marriott Services, with Sodexo holding 48.4 percent of the outstanding shares. The new company is the North American market leader for food and management services.
2000
Albert George is appointed Chief Operating Officer of Sodexo Alliance.
Sodexo Alliance and Universal Services merge to form Universal Sodexo, becoming the leader in remote site management.
2001
Sogeres (France) and Wood Dining Services (USA) join Sodexo Alliance.
Sodexo acquires 53 percent of the share capital of Sodexo Marriott Services, which changes its name to Sodexo, Inc.
2002
In April 3, 2002, Sodexo Alliance shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
2003
Jean-Michel Dhenain and Michel Landel are appointed Group Chief Operating Officers, succeeding Albert George.
2004
The succession plan for Pierre Bellon is put into place.
The Board of Directors announces that effective on September 1, 2005, the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer will become separate functions.
2005
On September 1st, 2005, Michel Landel becomes Chief Executive Officer and Pierre Bellon continues as Chairman of the Board.
2006
Sodexo, the world leader in Food and Facilities Management Services, turned 40 in 2006. This important milestone provided an opportunity to look back on four decades of extraordinary growth, which have transformed a small family business into a global market leader.
