Rob Jepson has been appointed chief executive for Sodexo UK & Ireland’s Health & Care business.
He takes over from Philip Leigh, who joined Sodexo in 2021 after spending a decade as chief operating officer for ISS Facility Services. Leigh will continue to lead on strategic projects across the region as board member and special project adviser to the UK & Ireland Sodexo board.
Jepson joined the French catering giant from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), where he was group director of estates and facilities.
MFT is a longstanding client partner of Sodexo and one of the largest acute trusts in the UK, with 10 hospitals across seven sites.
Jean Renton, chief executive of Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “I am pleased to welcome Rob as our new CEO for Health & Care. With his experience in leading NHS estates, multi-site operational delivery and commercial experience, Rob is well positioned to lead our Health & Care business and support our clients’ priorities for safe, reliable and responsive services.”
Jepson added: “Having worked so closely with Sodexo over the past four and a half years at MFT, I’ve seen not only the strength of its business but also the genuine, family feel that makes it such a valued partner. Joining Sodexo’s Health & Care team feels like a natural step, and I’m excited to build on the strong client relationships Philip has fostered.”
Sodexo Health & Care employs more than 7,500 people who deliver food and facilities management services across the sector.