Milestones

1966
Pierre Bellon launches Sodexho 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 serve staff restaurants, schools and hospitals.

1968
Operations commence in the Paris area.

1971-78
International expansion begins with a contract in Belgium. Development of the Remote Site Management business, first in Africa, then in the Middle East. Start of Sodexho's Service Voucher business.

1983
Initial public offering of Sodexho shares on the Paris Stock Exchange.

1985-1993
Sodexho establishes activities in the Americas, Japan, South Africa and Russia, and reinforces its presence in the rest of Central Europe.

1995
Sodexho 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 Sodexho.

Sodexho joins forces with Universal Ogden Services, the leading remote site service provider in the United States.

1998
Sodexho shares are accepted into the Paris Stock Exchange.

Founding of Sodexho Marriott Services, with Sodexho holding 48.4% 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 Sodexho.

Sodexho and Universal Services merge to form Universal Sodexho, becoming the leader in remote site management.

2001
Sogeres (France) and Wood Dining Services (USA) join Sodexho.

Sodexho acquires 53% of the share capital of Sodexho Marriott Services, which changes its name to Sodexho Inc.

2002
On 3rd April 2002, Sodexho 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 1st September 2005, the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer will become separate functions.

2005
On 1st September 2005, Michel Landel becomes Chief Executive Officer and Pierre Bellon continues as Chairman of the Board.

2006
Sodexho, 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, founded in Marseille, into a global market leader.

2008
In 2008, the Group has changed its name from Sodexho Alliance to “Sodexo". The Group also is rejuvenating its virtual identity including a simpler, more modern design of its logo.