GAITHERSBURG, Md. (January 9, 2023)_ – _Sodexo Live! [1], the
hospitality partner to the world’s most iconic venues is pleased to
announce the appointment of Belinda Oakley as its new Chief Executive
Officer, North America. A proven international business leader with two
decades of food service 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+ team members at 150+ 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 organizations on three continents,
leveraging her transformative leadership style to build cultures of
innovation, driving operational excellence, and achieving record results.
Further:
* Most recently, she was the CEO of Chartwells K12, a $1B 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.
* Oakley is a graduate of the University of Denver’s Executive MBA
program with honors, where she still serves as an Adjunct Professor for
the Daniels College of Business
This evolution in leadership comes as a natural next step in the
continued growth story of Sodexo Live! as it prepares for a milestone
year in North America, from hosting the Formula One Miami Grand Prix at
Hard Rock Stadium and the 2023 MLB All-Star Game at Seattle’s T-Mobile
Park to an expected high-volume calendar of meetings and events at
convention centers and cultural attractions. Its airport lounge business
is also preparing to open multiple new premium lounge spaces with
British Airways, as global travel, roars back to life.
“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,” said Belinda Oakley, CEO, Sodexo Live! North America. “We are
just getting started, and I look forward to serving the organization and
bringing a new perspective to the organization.”
Oakley will join the Sodexo Live! Global Executive Committee and report
to Nathalie Bellon-Szabo.
