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French Food Services and Facilities Management Company Sodexo Welcomes Rob Jepson as the New Chief Executive Officer for the UK & Ireland Board
Published on
January 26, 2026
Sodexo UK & Ireland has announced the appointment of Rob Jepson as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of its Health & Care division. Jepson, who takes over from Philip Leigh, brings with him a wealth of experience, particularly in managing NHS estates and multi-site operational delivery. The appointment signals a new phase in the company’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable and responsive services within the healthcare sector.
Leadership Transition at Sodexo UK & Ireland
Jepson’s appointment follows the departure of Philip Leigh, who had been leading Sodexo UK & Ireland’s Health & Care division since 2021. Leigh, who had spent a decade as the chief operating officer at ISS Facility Services before joining Sodexo, will remain with the company as a special project adviser and board member. He will focus on strategic projects across the UK & Ireland region, continuing to contribute to Sodexo’s future growth and success.
Rob Jepson arrives at Sodexo after a notable tenure at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), where he served as group director of estates and facilities. MFT is one of the largest acute trusts in the UK and has been a long-standing partner of Sodexo. The partnership spans over several years, with Sodexo providing essential services such as food and facilities management across MFT’s extensive network of 10 hospitals. Jepson’s experience with MFT, where he worked closely with Sodexo, makes him particularly well-placed to lead the company’s Health & Care division in the UK & Ireland.
Rob Jepson’s Vision for Sodexo Health & Care
Jean Renton, the CEO of Sodexo UK & Ireland, expressed her pleasure in welcoming Rob Jepson to the role. She highlighted Jepson’s vast experience in managing NHS estates and his deep understanding of multi-site operations, both of which will be crucial in his new position. Renton emphasized that Jepson’s commercial experience and leadership qualities make him well-suited to support Sodexo’s clients in the Health & Care sector.
In a statement, Jepson shared his enthusiasm about joining Sodexo, noting that his previous experience working with the company at MFT had allowed him to recognize both the strength of the business and the unique, family-like culture that defines Sodexo. Jepson expressed his excitement about building on the strong client relationships that Leigh had fostered, with a focus on continuing to deliver exceptional services to clients and partners in the UK & Ireland.
A Strong Workforce Behind Sodexo UK & Ireland Health & Care
Sodexo’s Health & Care division in the UK & Ireland employs over 7,500 individuals who are committed to providing high-quality food and facilities management services across the healthcare sector. The division plays a critical role in supporting healthcare institutions, including hospitals and healthcare facilities, with services that ensure smooth operations and meet the highest standards of care and hygiene. The leadership of Rob Jepson is expected to bring fresh insights and continued success to an already thriving division.
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Under Jepson’s leadership, Sodexo UK & Ireland aims to enhance its position as a leading provider of food and facilities management services in the healthcare sector. The company is known for its commitment to quality and its ability to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of the healthcare industry and Jepson’s expertise will undoubtedly contribute to further strengthening these efforts.
Sodexo’s UK & Ireland division continues to make a positive impact within the Health & Care sector and the appointment of Rob Jepson as CEO marks a new chapter in the company’s journey toward delivering excellent services to clients and making a lasting difference in the healthcare sector.
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