Sodexo’s independence allows us to maintain a long-term vision and strategy
and to guarantee the Company’s sustainability. The consistency of our commitment to build an international organization with strong management, to maintain sustainable relationships with all our stakeholders and to develop an integrated quality offering is a reflection of this vision.
Under the leadership of Chairwoman Sophie Bellon, the Board of Directors, composed of 7 women and 5 men, determines the Company’s strategic direction in keeping with the long term vision that characterizes our governance. Among the 12 members of the Board of Directors, 6 have experiences in sustainable development, social commitment and human resources. Corporate Social Responsibility is a frequent topic of discussion.
During Fiscal 2021, progress and areas of development in corporate responsibility were presented to the Board of Directors twice as separate topics and incorporated into all of the strategy presentations and the training session held in June for the Board members.
Additionally, the Compensation Committee has reviewed the executive incentive plan in order to add a criterion on the achievement of the carbon footprint targets.
Sophie Bellon, Chairwoman of the Board and Interim Chief Executive Officer, has always been committed to issues related to corporate responsibility. She is a member of the Champions 12.3 coalition, dedicated to achieving the food waste reduction goals set by the United Nations.
Corporate responsibility issues are regularly discussed by the Executive Committee in order to define future guidelines and make progress on various related matters. Sophie Bellon represents Corporate Responsibility on the Transition Committee and brings her experience and her convictions to accelerate the return to both profitable and responsible growth. Several members of the Group’s Executive Committee are responsible for driving continuous improvement in terms of corporate responsibility:
This Committee, led by Didier Sandoz, is composed of 9 members from various continents, professions and Departments. The Committee drives our global corporate responsibility roadmap and tracks the progress made. They meet every 3 months to monitor the progress of our corporate responsibility roadmap and to decide on priorities for the upcoming months. This year, the Committee has supervised the creation of the new materiality matrix to ensure that corporate responsibility is anchored in the regions and segments’ strategic plans.
This Committee delivers the global vision and sets targets for progress. In pairs, the Executive Committee members sponsor each of the five areas of focus (Gender, Culture and Origin, People with Disabilities, Sexual Orientation and Generations) and move them forward, supported by global, regional and local Diversity, Equity and Inclusion working groups that are close to our operations and adapted locally to each community.
Integrity in terms of business conduct is essential to Sodexo’s success and constitutes a fundamental pillar of its commitment to responsible business conduct. This Committee is co-chaired by the Group General Counsel and the Group Chief Ethics Officer, reports regularly to the Group Executive Committee and comprises representatives from the Group’s various support functions: Ethics, Legal, Internal Control, Internal Audit, Human Resources, Supply Management, Corporate Responsibility, and Communications. The independent Ethics and Compliance Committee ensures that the Human Rights and Business Integrity Charter is applied across all Company activities and with all its stakeholders. During Fiscal 2021, the Committee met on seven occasions.
A corporate responsibility leader is appointed in each segment and/or country to drive the deployment and progress of the Better Tomorrow 2025. They are the main point of contact for any questions regarding the program and its initiatives. This community composed of more than 80 persons meets regularly to exchange best practices, information and progress on the matter.
