New chief executive for Sodexo UK and Ireland

Aidan, currently the company's finance director, will replace Yann Coleou who will relinquish his position to focus exclusively on the integration of the recently acquired Radhakrishna Hospitality Services Group (RKHS) in India. The RKHS acquistion will make Sodexo the leading food and facilities management services company in India and will employ over 20,000 people across 1,000 sites. Aidan was previously finance director of MyTravel UK and as a senior member of the MyTravel team, was responsible for restructuring the business and returning it to profitability. Prior to this, Aidan was CEO of Walker Greenbank PLC and has been CEO in a number of private companies in the UK, Europe and the USA. At Sodexo, Aidan is a member of the UK and Ireland executive team and has played a key role in the recent successful development of the business. More recently he has taken a lead in negotiations regarding the £12 billion Defence Training Review project which resulted in Sodexo becoming a 50/50 equity partner in the Metrix consortium which will deliver the construction, site services and training facilities for the Defence Technical College in St Athan, South Wales. Commenting on his new role, Aidan said, "I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the business as it develops further as a major provider of food and integrated facilities management services." Aidan will report to Philip Jansen, in his capacity as chairman of the UK and Ireland and CEO, Europe. A new finance director will be appointed in due course.