Sodexo UK&I's chief executive officer, Sean Healy, has announced that he will be stepping down after seven years leading the region.

Haley, who joined the company in 2011 as part of its acquisition of Atkins' asset management business, became CEO in 2022 following roles as regional chair and managing director. He is leaving Sodexo to pursue new career opportunities

Following his departure, Jean Renton, who has been chief financial officer at Sodexo since 2019, has been promoted to the newly created role of chief operating officer, effective 1 January. She will lead the region with an operational focus on business transformation.

Renton, who joined Sodexo in 2013, has previously held a number of senior business and commercial functions in the region. She also has an extensive background in finance and change management, having worked with John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and PwC prior to joining Sodexo.

In addition to her COO responsibilities, Renton will continue to chair Sodexo UK&I's SoTogether gender equality employee network and serve as a non-executive director of the audit committee for the charity Wellbeing of Women.

Sunil Nayak, zone president of Sodexo Europe, said: "We sincerely thank Sean for his significant contribution to Sodexo over the last 13 years. As chair and CEO of the UK&I 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 added: "I am honoured to have been appointed into this role. I look forward to working alongside my executive team and all our site colleagues as we continue to serve our clients and consumers as the global leader in sustainable food and valued experiences."

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