Sodexo boosts technical FM base

2 February 2012

Sodexo is strengthening its technical FM capabilities with the appointment of Ian Mills as group vice president for its worldwide technical expertise platform.

His role includes the development of standards for the management of infrastructure and equipment in all countries, as well as implementing IT infrastructure and tools needed to expand the group’s technical expertise.

FM services account for more than 25 per cent of Sodexo’s revenues and are growing three times faster than food services, a company statement said.

“The recent acquisitions of Roth Brothers in the US and Atkins in the UK have reinforced Sodexo’s ability to provide best-in-class technical facilities management and infrastructure services,” the Sodexo statement said.

Mills began his career as an electrical engineer and has more than 30 years' experience in senior management roles.

Before joining Sodexo, he was at the National Air Traffic Services (NATS), the body in charge of air-traffic control in the UK. He held several senior positions, including chief operating officer, engineering and commercial services director and programs director.

Before NATS, he spent eight years in the rail transport sector at Alstom, where he worked in the UK, Europe, Latin America and the US.

Mills is based at Sodexo Group' headquarters in Issy-les-Moulineaux, near Paris.

He reports to Damien Verdier, head of client retention as well as supply chain and sustainable development issues.