Sodexo Group History
Over more than 40 years, we continue to grow, from small to big to significant. We are committed to constant organic growth. Yet, we never stopped reviewing the steps we've walked. konwing the past leads our way in future. By this part, we'll tell our clients, shareholders, employees, suppliers, and all other Sodexo stakeholders about what we were, what we are and what we will be.
1966
In 1966, Pierre Bellon creates Sodexo, in Marseilles, drawing upon the Bellon family's experience of more than 60 years in maritime catering for luxury liners and cruise ships. Operations initially serve staff restaurants, schools and hospitals.
1968
Sodexo begins operations in the Paris area.
1971-1978
The international expansion begins with a contract in Belgium. Development of the Remote Site Management business begins 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 services thanks to alliances with Gardner Merchant in the UK and Partena in Sweden.
Sodexo enters into mainland China market and begins its fast growth there.
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
Formation of Sodexo Marriot Services, which becomes North American market leader in Food and Facilities Management Services.
Acquisition of Luncheon Tickets, No.2 service voucher issuer in Argentina.
1998
Sodexo Alliance shares are accepted into the Paris Bourse.
Founding of Sodexo Marriot Services, which becomes North American market leader in Food and Facilities Management Services.
2000
Sodexo Alliance and Universal Services merge to form Universal Sodexo, becoming the leader in remote sites management.
2001
Sogeres (France) and Wood Dining Services (USA) join Sodexo Alliance.
Sodexo Alliance acquires the remaining 53% of Sodexo Marriott Services, which becomes a 100% subsidiary and changes its name Sodexo, Inc.
2002
On April 3rd, 2002, Sodexo Alliance shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
2005
Michel Landel becomes Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Pierre Bellon, who retains his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
2006
After 40 years, Michel Landel, Chief Executive Officer sets a new challenge for the Group:
"To become the premier global outsourcing expert in Quality of Life services".
2008
Sodexo ranks the 4th in the Global Outsourcing Top 100 announced by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP). Sodexo ranks Number one in Facility Services category. Sodexo is listed in the top five of IAOP Global Outsourcing 100 List for the 3rd consecutive year.
2008
Sodexho Alliance change its brand identity to Sodexo, the reference brand in Quality of Life services.
2008
Sodexo is recognized for its commitment to sustainable development in the SAM (Sustainable Asset Management) Group's "Sustainability Yearbook 2008".
2009
Sodexo has been ranked third in IAOP Global Outsourcing 100. For the second year in a row, Sodexo is the highest-ranked company in its industry category, "Facility Services".
