Sodexo makes key appointments to education business

Sodexo has appointed Philip Smith as chief executive for its schools and universities business in the UK and Ireland.

Smith, who has worked for the caterer since 2008, said: "This is an exciting new chapter. Recent investments in talent and new key initiatives will help take our offer in bold, exciting new directions – keeping pace with evolving tastes, embracing the latest food and technology trends, and putting sustainability high on the agenda.

"I'm excited to lead Sodexo's talented and dedicated schools and universities team and looking forward to partnering more closely with our clients to help children and young people achieve their potential."

The caterer has also appointed Steve Hawkins, who joined the business in 2013, as managing director for schools – overseeing the delivery of meals to almost 600 education settings.

Sodexo's universities business is overseen by managing director Simon Knight and includes the delivery of on-campus food and FM services at around 100 university locations across the UK and Ireland.