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« I've had a great time » The Sodexho story
5/1/2006
Book recounts company's extraordinary history
1 May 2006 - Sodexho celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2006. To mark the occasion, Sodexho's founder and chairman, Pierre Bellon, has written a book looking back on four decades of an exciting business venture. Entitled '“I've had a great time!” -- The Sodexho story,' it traces the development of a small family business founded in a warehouse in Marseilles, France, that grew exponentially to become today the world's leading provider of food and facilities management services, with 324,000 employees in 76 countries. The history recounts the company's successes and setbacks over the years and presents the philosophy and values that guided Pierre Bellon throughout his venture. Throughout the book, he pays homage to the thousands of people who he credits with helping the company grow, through their skill and daily dedication.
In September 2005, Pierre Bellon, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stepped down as Chief Executive Officer, passing the reins to Michel Landel, a long-time member of the Sodexho team who played an active role in the company's remarkable development in North America. As Sodexho entered a new era, Pierre Bellon said he wanted to recount the company's history in order to "link past, present and future" and pass on the people values, entrepreneurial spirit and sharp focus on organic growth that have been constant themes through the years.
The book takes readers to the heart of the Sodexho story with accounts of important events that provide insight into the company's development and strategic choices. Pierre Bellon's early focus on improving the quality of daily life for clients and consumers, Sodexho's first forays outside France and the technical and marketing challenges involved, and memorable stock market battles all are recounted. Other chapters tell of the company's steady and successful expansion of its skills base to integrate a full range of facilities management services.
The book was prepared in cooperation with a team of historians, who conducted roughly 100 interviews with employees to tap into the company's collective memory.
The French version of the book was published this month.
Contact
Send an email to Press Relations
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Jean-Charles Tréhan
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