Sodexo Live! appoints Belinda Oakley as new CEO, North America

Sodexo Live! manages prestigious conference, cultural, and sporting venues and major events globally | Photo credit: Sodexo

Sodexo Live! has announced the appointment of Belinda Oakley as its new Chief Executive Officer, North America. 
 

In the role, Oakley will lead a team of over 20,000 staff at more than 150 partner venues across the US and Canada.   

The former CEO of Compass Group division Chartwells K12 and Director of Operations at Benugo replaces outgoing CEO Steve Pangburn, who will continue working with Sodexo in France and will help Sodexo Live! with the leadership transition until April 2023. 

“It is impossible to put into words the level of excitement I have for this new role. This is a sector and industry I have admired for years now. We are just getting started, and I look forward to serving the organisation and bringing a new perspective to the organisation,” Oakley said. 

Sodexo Live! manages a portfolio of 500 prestigious conference, cultural, and sporting venues and major events globally.  

The hospitality group is expecting ‘a milestone year’ in North America, including hosting the Formula One Miami Grand Prix in May and the 2023 MLB All-Star Game in July 2023. 

“As we double down on pursuing our ambitious growth goals, we’re thrilled to welcome Belinda to the team. She has an outstanding track record in commercial and business development – with Belinda’s leadership and capabilities, the talents and engagement of the North America team and the strong positive momentum of our business, I am confident we will be successful in accelerating our growth in North America,” said Nathalie Bellon-Szabo, Global CEO, Sodexo Live!. 

The Sodexo Group launched Sodexo Live! in September 2021 to leverage the company’s expertise in the world of sports, events and hospitality. 

In January 2023 Paris-based Sodexo credited resumed workplace attendance across North America and Europe for its 20% year-on-year revenue growth.  

For the three months ended 30 November 2022, the French catering and food services group achieved revenues of €6.3bn ($6.6bn).