Raj was previously head of HR at Abbey, supporting members of the Abbey Executive Committee and a host of group directors, and prior to that he had a six year spell with Ford in both generalist and specialist HR roles.

Raj will be responsible for compensation and benefits, employee relations, resourcing and supporting the central business functions (including finance, procurement, marketing, corporate affairs, legal and IS&T). He will also become heavily involved in the SAP HR project and the review of Sodexho's reward structure and processes.

Raj said: “I am thrilled to be joining Sodexho at this exciting time and to be given the challenging opportunities that lie ahead. I am very much looking forward to adding value to this business.” Raj will report to Andrew Patrick, HR Director for Sodexho UK & Ireland.