In 1966, Sodexho signs its first major contract with the French Research Institute for Atomic Energy (the CEA).

The contract establishes a lasting relationship as, 50 years later, Sodexo is still delivering food services at the CEA’s site in Pierrelatte.

In 1967, Sodexho wins its first contract in the “multiservice” market with the CNES in French Guiana. This signalled Sodexho’s entry into the remote site management business.

In 1971, Sodexho serves its first school meals during a year when Sodexho also won contracts in companies and government services.

Between1971 and 1978, Sodexho launches in new countries with contract wins in Belgium, Italy and Spain as well as further developments in Africa and the Middle East. A new business (service vouchers) is also launched in Belgium.

Between 1985 and 1993, Sodexho establishes operations in North and South American, Japan, Russia and South Africa whilst also reinforcing its presence in Continental Europe.

In 1987, Sodexho acquires the Bateaux Parisiens and officially launches the Sports & Leisure segment (now Sodexo Live!).

In 1988, for the first time, Sodexho provided food services for all the athletes, staff and journalists at the Calgary Olympics.

Sodexho will go on to deliver services for many future Olympic games including Barcelona and London.

In 1996, Sodexho launches Stop Hunger. A program which affirms the company’s commitment towards the fight against hunger.

Also this year, Sodexho’s service vouchers and cards business expands into Brazil with the acquisition of Cardapio.

In 1997, Sodexho became the leader in corporate services in the United States after merging with Marriott International.

In 1998, Sodexho and Marriott International merge to create Sodexo Marriott Services.

In 2002, Sodexho enters the New York Stock Exchange, in the same year the Euro enters the Stock Market, a major step in our international development.

In 2005, Michel Landel becomes Chief Executive Officer of Sodexho Alliance. 

In the same year Sodexho supports the Inco Group in New Caledonia with services for the construction site for Goro Nickel’s mine, hirinng 95% of employees locally.

In 2006, the ambition to “Become the global expert in quality of life services” was launched. 

In 2008, Sodexho becomes Sodexo. 

Sodexo becomes the Brazilian leader of vouchers and card services through the acquisition of VR and makes further acquisitions in several markets including Zehnacker, doubling Sodexo’s presence in Germany and making Sodexo the number one provider of services to the German healthcare market.

In 2013, Sodexo acquires Roth Bros in the United States, MacLellan in India and Atkins in the UK in the same year as deploying a global technical expertise platform.

In 2016, Sophie Bellon becomes Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, succeeding her father, Pierre Bellon, who is now Chairman Emeritus. 

In 2018, the Sodexo Board of Directors names Denis Machuel to succeed Michel Landel as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Committee.

In 2021, Sophie Bellon becomes Interim Chief Executive Officer in addition to Chairwoman of Sodexo’s board of directors.

On January 31 2022, Sodexo’s Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Pierre Bellon, passes away aged 92.

In 2023, Sodexo demonstrated the success of the 2025 strategic plan with solid results achieved by focusing on food services, boosting the sustainability and innovation in the services we offer to our consumers. Additionally, redesigning the consumer experience in FM services, simplifying its organisation and reinforcing its attractiveness as an employer strengthened its financial performance. 

In 2024, Sodexo and Pluxee (previously our Benefits and Rewards Services activity) became independent companies, a milestone moment in our history and a decisive step forward with the creation of two pure players in their respective fast-growing markets.