Phil Hooper to leave Sodexo

After 40 years working for Sodexo, and previously Gardner Merchant, Phil Hooper, corporate affairs director for Sodexo UK and Ireland has decided to leave the company.

Having joined in 1976 as a management trainee, he has undertaken a variety of roles in Operations, Sales, Corporate Affairs and Communications. Having joined the UK board of Gardner Merchant in 1995, he was part of the management buyout team and joined the Sodexo UK & Ireland executive team following the acquisition by Sodexo. Several years later he oversaw the name change from Gardner Merchant to Sodexo as part of the company’s single brand strategy.

Phil has played a key part in helping to reposition Sodexo as a company providing a wide range of services delivering an integrated facilities management offer. He has also over the past year been involved in developing and promoting the brand globally for the Justice and Defence segments, reinforcing Sodexo’s Quality of Life Positioning.

Phil has also represented Sodexo and the industry in trade associations such as the British Hospitality association, the British Services Association as well as the Springboard charity as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Commenting on his decision, Phil said “Having had such a fulfilling and enjoyable career at Sodexo, it is obviously a difficult decision to leave; however I have committed 40 years to the company and I now feel it’s time to do something different. I am keen to stay involved in the industry that I love, but also to have the time to support other initiatives.”

Neil Murray, Sodexo UK and Ireland chairman said; “Phil has been an outstanding ambassador for Sodexo and the industry as a whole. He has been involved in all aspects of the business and has made a significant contribution to the success of the company and its transformation. I would like to thank him for all he has done and wish him every success and happiness for the future.”