Sodexo North America Names Olivier Poirot SVP, CFO

Onsite foodservice company Sodexo North America has named Olivier Poirot senior vice president and chief financial officer.

Poirot succeeds Debbie White, who was promoted to chief executive of Sodexo U.K. and Ireland.

In his new capacity, Poirot will be responsible for the finance and risk management functions supporting the company in North America.

Most recently, Poirot served as chief executive of Accor North America, where he led the company's operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He was responsible for a portfolio that included more than 1,100 Sofitel, Novotel, Studio 6, Motel 6 and Ibis properties.

Prior to being named chief executive in 2007, Poirot served as chief financial officer of Accor North America for four years, during which time he was responsible for concluding the company's sale of Red Roof Inn.

"We are extremely pleased that Olivier has joined our senior executive team," said George Chavel, president and chief executive of Sodexo, Inc. "With his depth of experience from another global, industry-leading, world-class company, he has enabled a seamless transition and is positioned perfectly to provide strong financial leadership during this important time of growth for our company."

Sodexo North America, which is based in Gaithersburg, Md., generates about $8 billion in annual revenue and provides service to some 6,000 sites.

Contact Paul Frumkin at paul.frumkin@penton.com.