5.2.1.5 Principles governing the composition of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors regularly assesses whether the composition of the Board and of its specialized Committees is well balanced, particularly in terms of diversity (gender mix, nationality, age, competencies, etc.).
Diversity policy of the Board of Directors
| CRITERIA | OBJECTIVES | IMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS ACHIEVED IN FISCAL 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Director independence* | Director independence*OBJECTIVES Have at least one third of the Board’s members considered independent in accordance with the recommendations for controlled companies in the AFEP-MEDEF Code. | Director independence*IMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS ACHIEVED IN FISCAL 2020 Since January 21, 2020, 70% of the directors are deemed to be independent.  Independent : 70 % Non-independent : 30 % |
| Gender balance* | Gender balance*OBJECTIVES Maintain an optimal gender mix on the Board of Directors. | Gender balance*IMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS ACHIEVED IN FISCAL 2020
As of August 31, 2020, the Board of Directors had 12 members (including two directors representing employees), comprising seven women (including one female director representing employees) and five men (including one male director representing employees). This 60%/40% ratio of women to men (excluding directors representing employees) gives the Board a good gender balance and complies with the legal requirement in France, according to which the proportion of women and men on Corporate Boards must be at least 40% for each gender. |
| Directors' ages | Directors' agesOBJECTIVES No more than one third of the directors to be over 70 years old, in accordance with the applicable legal requirements. | Directors' agesIMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS ACHIEVED IN FISCAL 2020 Since January 21, 2020, all directors are under 70 years old. |
| Director nationality | Director nationalityOBJECTIVES The composition of the Board of Directors is intended to reflect as closely as possible the geographic mix of the Group’s business and to incorporate a wide range of nationalities. | Director nationalityIMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS ACHIEVED IN FISCAL 2020 The Board currently includes members from France, the United States, Canada and India. In addition, Sodexo’s directors have significant international experience and/or exposure, as they hold, or have held, positions or directorships in international companies or exercise key roles outside France. |
| Directors representing employees | Directors representing employeesOBJECTIVES Appointment of directors representing employees. | Directors representing employeesIMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS ACHIEVED IN FISCAL 2020 Since 2015, the Company has had two directors representing employees. Philippe Besson is on the Compensation Committee and Cathy Martin is on the Audit Committee. |
* In accordance with French law and the AFEP-MEDEF Code, directors representing employees are not included in the calculation of the representation of men and women on the Board or the percentage of independent directors.