Sodexo Live! appoints Belinda Oakley as its new CEO
Sodexo Live!, the hospitality partner to the world’s most iconic venues, has appointed Belinda Oakley as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), North America.
An international business leader with two decades of foodservice management experience who has successfully led enterprise growth strategies through operational excellence, innovation and the development of high performing teams, Oakley takes over to lead 20,000-plus team members at 150-plus partner venues throughout the US and Canada.
Oakley replaces outgoing CEO Steve Pangburn who will stay on to help with the transition through the end of March 2023 in an advisory capacity. Pangburn has opted to step down, in order to spend more time with his family in France, where he will continue working with Sodexo.
“As we double down on pursuing our ambitious growth goals, we’re thrilled to welcome Belinda to the team,” said Nathalie Bellon-Szabo, Sodexo Live! Global Chief Executive Officer.
“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.”
A native Australian, Oakley has led organisations on three continents, leveraging her transformative leadership style to build cultures of innovation, driving operational excellence and achieving record results.
Most recently, she was the CEO of Chartwells K12, a $1 billion business where she led 16,000 employees serving 2 million meals daily at 4,400 schools across the US.
Previously, she also held leadership roles for Famous Brands International, Brumby’s Bakeries and Benugo.
“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,” said Oakley.
Oakley will join the Sodexo Live! global executive committee and report to Nathalie Bellon-Szabo.
