Sodexo UK & Ireland has appointed Rob Jepson as CEO of its health and care business, with Philip Leigh taking on strategic projects across the region.
Jepson joins from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), where he was group director of estates and facilities. MFT, one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, operates 10 hospitals across seven sites and has been a long-standing client of Sodexo. Jepson brings extensive operational and leadership experience in facilities management across both public and private sectors and is a strong advocate for people development and apprenticeships.
Jean Renton, CEO of Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “I am pleased to welcome Rob as our new CEO for Health & Care. With his experience in leading NHS estates, multi-site operational delivery and commercial experience, Rob is well positioned to lead our Health & Care business and support our clients' priorities for safe, reliable, and responsive services.”
Sodexo Health & Care employs over 7,500 people delivering patient-centred services including nutrition, retail, environmental care, technical and facilities management, hotel services, security, and portering. The business operates across NHS acute, mental health, community, and private hospitals, supporting a wide range of patient cohorts.
Rob Jepson said: “Having worked so closely with Sodexo over the past 4 and a half years at MFT, I’ve seen not only the strength of its business but also the genuine, family feel that makes it such a valued partner. Joining Sodexo’s Health & Care team feels like a natural step, and I’m excited to build on the strong client relationships Philip has fostered. I can see that people sit at the heart of everything Sodexo does, and that aligns closely with my own priorities and values. I’m looking forward to working with the Health & Care team and our clients to address challenges together and to drive sustainable growth.”
