HBR On Strategy

How Sodexo’s CEO Manages Global Strategy Across 50 Countries

Jul 10, 2024

Sophie Bellon, Chair and CEO of Sodexo, discusses talent management, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. Topics include global strategy, digital transformation impact, local vs global supply systems post-pandemic, and collaboration in the food sector.

31:19

Episode guests

Sophie Bellon

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Improving sustainability through local sourcing and reducing food waste is crucial for the food industry's future growth.

Balancing global standards with local adaptation ensures sustainable practices align with diverse cultural and economic factors.

Deep dives

Sustainability in the Food Industry

Improving sustainability in the food industry is crucial due to global food system challenges. With 800 million people suffering from hunger while a third of food is wasted, changes are necessary. To address this, Sodexo aims to have 70% of dishes low carbon by 2030 and enhance local sourcing, supporting SMEs. By measuring food waste daily and setting reduction targets, Sodexo raises awareness and achieves results, highlighting the importance of measuring for improvement.

Intro

2min

Prioritizing Sustainability in the Global Food System

14min

Digital Transformation Impact on a Global Company with Frontline Workers

3min

Navigating Local vs Global Supply Systems in the Post-Pandemic World

2min

CEO of Sodexo: Family Business and Collaboration

11min

Concluding Remarks and Sponsor Mention

2min

As the chair and CEO of Sodexo, the France-based food services and facilities management company, Sophie Bellon leads one of the largest employers in the world, with front-line workers in nearly 50 countries. Managing that workforce—and the supply chains that enable them to do their jobs—is a complex undertaking that involves balancing both global strategy with local execution.

In this episode, Harvard Business Review executive editor Alison Beard sits down with Bellon to discuss her approaches to talent management, environmental sustainability, and supply chain resilience—all while driving future growth.

Key episode topics include: strategy, growth strategy, talent management, operations and supply chain management, supply chain management, environmental sustainability, food and beverage sector.

HBR On Strategy curates the best case studies and conversations with the world’s top business and management experts, to help you unlock new ways of doing business. New episodes every week.

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