Sodexo appoints new business development director for universities

Sodexo, the world’s largest services company, has appointed Tracey Smith as business development director for its universities business.

Tracey has extensive experience in the education sector and joins Sodexo from Aramark where she achieved significant success in the higher education market.

Following on from Sodexo’s launch of its Student Living offer last year, the appointment of Tracey will see the company further develop its position in this marketplace, with an emphasis on Sodexo’s commitment to providing quality of life services which have a direct impact on the student experience.

Tracey says, “With over 25 years of experience working for foodservice providers in the education market, I am looking forward to working with a company which like me is passionate about enhancing the student experience.

Sodexo has had great success over the last couple of years and I am looking forward to helping the company continue to build on this and establish it as a market leader in the provision of not just food but also accommodation and IFM services for the higher education market.”

Paul Anstey, Sodexo’s managing director for commercial education, “We are looking forward to the wealth of experience which Tracey brings to the team.

Having another dedicated business development director for this sector can only help us in our quest to become the market leaders in the provision of services which can influence the student experience at all the universities where we operate.”

Sodexo has provided catering and hospitality services to universities for almost 60 years and continues to win new business in this area.

However over the last 15 years it has been moving more and more into also providing a comprehensive facilities management service into student accommodation for both universities and private developers, and last year launched its Student Living by Sodexo offer.

The offer, which has an operational structure tailored to the specific needs of the sector, was developed following extensive research into the various client groups combined with a market evaluation and meetings with potential clients and sector experts.

Sodexo also analysed the results of its biennial University Lifestyle Survey which has captured students changing opinions and attitudes towards certain aspects of their student accommodation since 2004.