Sodexo recognises outstanding frontline employees

Sodexo, the world’s largest services company, has recognised the achievement of 21 of its most outstanding frontline employees in the fifth annual Service Excellence Awards.

Cleaners, fitness instructors, helpdesk operators, gardeners, security officers, engineers, kitchen porters and customer service assistants from across Sodexo’s integrated facilities management business in the UK and Ireland were recognised for their dedication and hard work.

Attended by more than 230 employees, the event was held at Ascot Racecourse on Tuesday (13 May), where Sodexo holds the hospitality contract.

Chief executive Debbie White and corporate affairs director Phil Hooper were joined on stage by Sodexo subject matter experts from each of the specific service lines to recognise the winners and runners up in 21 categories.

Integrated facilities management now makes up more than half of Sodexo’s business in the UK and Ireland.

The coveted Kathy Ridgard Award, presented in honour of Kathy, who was director of Sodexo’s Centre of Excellence before sadly losing her battle with cancer in February 2013, went to deputy general services manager Ann Rutter.

The award was presented by Kathy’s family.

Ann also won the cleaning supervisor of the year award for her work at a Sodexo corporate services contract site.

Debbie White, Sodexo UK and Ireland chief executive, said in her opening speech: “We have some very satisfied clients and that’s because of the people in this room who continue to demonstrate what we stand for as a company, delivering services that have a positive impact on the quality of life. “Our clients are recognising that yes, we’re great at delivering food services, but we’re also great at delivering cleaning services, security, grounds maintenance, technical services – and what’s more, they’re seeing the value we can bring by delivering all of these services wrapped up together as an integrated solution.”