Alex Verjee named managing director of Sodexo UK & Ireland’s universities division

Alex Verjee has been appointed managing director of Sodexo UK & Ireland’s universities business.

 

She first joined the French contract catering giant in 2011, starting out in its health and care division, where she developed catering and facilities management (FM) partnerships with NHS and private healthcare providers.

 

Since 2017, she has been working across universities and independent schools, having recently been promoted from her role as partnerships director.

 

She will continue to focus on the delivery of food, FM and student accommodation management services in the higher education sector.

 

Tracey Smith, chief executive of schools and universities, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Alex is well-known and respected within the industry. Having created strong client relationships which has helped drive the retention of contracts, we look forward to her future success in driving growth in the higher education sector.”

 

Simon Knight continues to oversee Independents by Sodexo as managing director and remains part of the business’ Schools and Universities Executive Leadership team. Sian Thompson, who previously assumed responsibility for the Universities division, has been appointed PFIs and Compliance Director.

 

Sodexo Health & Care recently extended its long-standing contract with Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

 

The overall UK and Ireland arm of the group secured several new contracts over H1 2025, such as HMRC in the western region and East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).

Sodexo was founded in Marseille, France, by Pierre Bellon in 1966.