Sodexo appoints Debbie White as new chief executive

The appointment will be effective from 1 January 2012. Connolly, who has been with the company for almost five years, started as finance director in 2007 before his appointment as chief executive in 2009. He is leavings to join leading financial services provider, WorldPay, as chief finance officer. During his time at Sodexo the company has seen a steady increase in its profit margins and client retention rate as well as some major contract wins and the recent acquisition of Atkins' asset management business. White is no stranger to Sodexo having previously worked for Sodexo UK and Ireland as finance director from 2004 to 2007 before crossing the Atlantic to join Sodexo North America as chief financial officer. Michel Landel, Sodexo chief executive officer commented: "Aidan has done a fantastic job during his time with us and we wish him the best of luck in his new role. "Debbie has proven herself to be a valuable and committed individual throughout her time with Sodexo both here and in North America. "I have every confidence in her ability to lead the Sodexo team in the UK and Ireland and look forward to seeing the business continue to develop further." Sodexo in the UK and Ireland generates £1.1 billion in annual turnover and employs 43,000 staff working across 2,300 sites.