Haley joined Sodexo in 2011 as part of the acquisition of Atkins’ asset management business. In 2017 he became regional chair, and then chief executive of UK and Ireland in 2022. He is a member of The Purpose Coalition advisory board, a director at Springboard and a trustee of Sodexo’s Stop Hunger Foundation. After seven years leading the region, he has decided to move to his next career opportunity outside of Sodexo.
Sunil Nayak, zone president Sodexo Europe, said: “We sincerely thank Sean for his significant contribution to Sodexo over the last 13 years. As chair and chief executive 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 will take over her new position on 1st January 2025 to become the executive lead of the region with an operational focus on businesses transformation.
Joining Sodexo in 2013, Renton has held a number of senior business and commercial roles in the region as well as previously leading finance operations and change teams at John Lewis, M&S and PWC.
She is well-known for her commitment to gender diversity, and will continue to chair Sodexo UK and Ireland’s SoTogether gender equality employee network, and be a non-executive director of the audit committee at the charity Wellbeing of Women.
Over the coming year, Renton will have a renewed focus on delivering transformation, service excellence and social impact across the region’s 2,000 client sites.
Renton commented: “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.”