Sodexo Recognized by Women’s Empowerment Principles for Championing Gender Equality

Michel Landel, Sodexo Group CEO, and Janet Awad, Region Chair of Latin America and Country President, Sodexo Chile, honored by the United Nations

New York, March 16, 2016 – In observance of International Women’s Day, over 300 leaders from business, civil society, government and the United Nations (UN) gathered at UN Headquarters in New York City for the 2016 Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) event.

Since 2013, the WEPs Annual Event has included the announcement of the WEPs CEO Leadership Awards, saluting five exceptional CEOs for championing gender equality and the 7 WEPs Principles, in particular Principle One, which urges CEOs to lead by example. Michel Landel, Chief Executive Officer, Sodexo and Janet Awad, Regional Chair of Latin America and Country President, Sodexo Chile, were awarded with the 7 Principles WEPs CEO Leadership Award, which recognizes a company for for their demonstrated commitment to and implementation of policies that advance and empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.

In particular, the UN acknowledged the Sodexo Women's International Forum for Talent (SWIFt), which underpins Sodexo's strategy for improving the group's gender balance. Launched 2009 by Michel Landel, SWIFt comprises 35 senior managers representing 15 different nationalities and all the Company’s business segments, and aims to increase the number of women in senior positions. SWIFt makes practical suggestions that have led to the progress now recognized by the French Ministry of Women's Rights.

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