People-focused hire has a strong history of driving growth
Sodexo UK & Ireland has appointed Ming Lai as CEO for premium food in a move it says will “support its ambition to become the market leader in the food and support services in the UK and Ireland”.
In the newly created role, Lai will have executive responsibility for The Good Eating Company and Fooditude, and will also work closely with Sodexo’s corporate services business.
Lai’s appointment comes as Sodexo looks to push forward its strategy to create “future-ready food services solutions”, combining menu personalisation, automation and sustainability across its portfolio of food brands.
Jean Renton, CEO at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Ming brings with him a strong track record in driving growth, innovation and operational excellence with a people-focused approach. Through all of our food brands we are delivering on our promise to provide expertly crafted food solutions which support our clients in a whole range of sectors.
“Ming’s proven commitment to operational excellence, along with his people-focused approach, will help elevate our proposition as we continue to deliver food excellence.”
Lai added: “Sodexo has a long culinary history and I am looking forward to supporting the business and its talented teams in reaffirming its heritage through the delivery of the food solutions which not only delight guests but that are innovative and market leading, blending the craft of cookery with new technologies that are seeing the industry shift from food services to food intelligence.”
