Natalie Bickford appointed as HR director for Sodexo Europe

Sodexo UK and Ireland’s human resources director, Natalie Bickford, has been appointed as the new human resources director for Sodexo Europe, and will start her new role on 1 September 2012.

Joining the UK and Ireland team in 2008, Natalie has since been responsible for a number of HR initiatives across the company including; improving the over all approach to unit staff training; improving staff engagement across the organisation and developing an enhanced staff benefits scheme.

Natalie also took a leading role in implementing Sodexo UK and Ireland’s diversity policy, which included raising the awareness and development of women across the organisation and the launch of Women Work – formed to foster a culture of inclusiveness by enhancing women's professional and personal growth. She is also the chair of Women 1st, which promotes the role of women within the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry.

Debbie White, chief executive officer, Sodexo UK and Ireland, said: “I am delighted for Natalie on her new appointment which is a great achievement. Taking on the European role will be a fantastic opportunity for Natalie to take the vital human resources function to the next level.”