Sodexo Canada announced Johanne R. Bélanger, FCPA, FCA, as its new chief executive officer (CEO).
Bélanger brings over 20 years of senior executive experience across multiple industries in Canada and the USA. With roots as a CPA, her career spans a large spectrum of industries including healthcare; tourism and hospitality; distribution; and meetings and events industries.
Bélanger was most recently the president of healthcare and senior living at Compass Group Canada, leading transformational change through a global pandemic. Her previous appointments included: vice president, field marketing North America with Marriott International; president and CEO at Destination Toronto; and president, Canada with Freeman Audio Visual Services.
Bélanger has been recognized internationally for her passion and commitment to developing and recognizing women in leadership. Among several awards, she was recognized by Women in Tourism & Hospitality with the 1st Katie Taylor Economic Empowerment Award and by NY MOVES Magazine as one of the 25 Power Women in 2017.
“Johanne’s business acumen in the food services and hospitality markets gives Sodexo an edge in our growth strategy,” Sarosh Mistry, president and CEO, North America, said in the announcement. “Her energy and creativity will propel our Canadian teams, imparting more agility and accountability through effective, caring, and inclusive leadership.”
Bélanger’s personal values, along with her transformative and collaborative leadership, align with Sodexo Canada’s purpose of being a people-focused organization committed to operational excellence and elevating the client experience.
“With 7,000 employees, from chefs to district managers to all the support teams, and beyond, I’m honored to lead the Canadian team,” Bélanger said in the announcement. “Together we will continue fueling and advancing our commitment to clients creating memorable experiences and innovative solutions.”
Sodexo has been providing food and facilities management services in Canada for over 40 years, with a focus on enhancing safety, work process and well-being. The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, an independent charitable organization, has raised over $3 million to fight hunger and donated more than 1 million meals to at-risk youth across Canada since 2007.
