Sodexo Proudly Salutes Its Eight Finalists In
The 2022 Ex-Forces In Business Awards

British Ex-Forces in Business Awards logo A team of eight Sodexo employees have reached the final stages of the prestigious British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, the world’s largest celebration of former military personnel who have transitioned into civilian employment and are excelling in their second careers as part of the wider UK workforce.

Sodexo is committed to supporting the armed forces community and was an early signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and recently retained its gold status in the Defence Relationship Management’s Employer Recognition Scheme.

As a partner to the military for over 30 years Sodexo continually looks to support and provide employment opportunities at every level to those leaving the military and it delighted that the following have been recognised at these awards:

  • Advocate of the Year finalist:
  • Rachel Evans, HR Director, Sodexo Government
  • Reservist of the Year Award finalist:
  • Ross Gurney, Material Account Storekeeper at Merville Barracks
  • Business Leader of the Year finalist:
  • Gary Hird, Catering Manager at Tidworth (PAC)
  • Outstanding Achiever of the Year Award finalist:
  • Greg Joliffe, Service Manager, at Salisbury
  • Team leader of the Year finalist:
  • Matthew Kenyon, Kitchen Manager at Larkhill
  • Military Values in Business Award finalists:
  • Colin Maskelyne, Catering, Retail and Leisure Manager, at Larkhill
  • Lindsey Partington, Head of Healthcare at HMP Forest Bank
  • New Service Leaver of the Year Award finalist:
  • Zoe Savage, Regional Security Manager, Ministry of Justice (MOJ)

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner taking place at the Grosvenor House, London on 8th September 2022.



Paul Anstey, CEO, Government, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “We are extremely proud and delighted for each of our eight finalists at this year’s British Ex-Forces in Business Awards and we wish them the best of luck for the 8 September.

“Supporting the Armed Forces plays a key part of Sodexo's Social Impact Pledge. We recognise military-gained skills and qualities translate well into our business and this is showcased brilliantly by the finalists and the many other ex-forces leaders who are part of the Sodexo family.

“It’s a fantastic achievement and a testament that people with military careers can truly thrive in a civilian life, while demonstrating the value people with an Armed Forces background can bring to business.”

Earlier this month Sodexo retained its Gold Employer Recognition Award by the Ministry of Defence in recognition of the company’s commitment and efforts to support the entire Armed Forces community through its strong policies. Sodexo was one of the first organisations to be awarded gold in 2017. Its policies and initiatives include:

  • the positive recruitment of ex-military personnel
  • the provision of employment opportunities for the spouses of service personnel posted into areas where Sodexo holds a contract
  • a flexible approach to granting leave for employees which are members of the Reserves
  • an employee Reservist and Military network gives a voice to those in Sodexo’s workforce that are reserves, veterans, families of serving personnel as well as those with a connection or interest in the military. This network provides representation from this unique group to ensure Sodexo’s policies and ways of working are inclusive to their needs.
  • a partnership approach to supporting service charities such as SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. Sodexo has been a partner to SSAFA for 15 years and provides valuable support through
    • sponsorship, volunteering and fundraising activities
    • financial support for the charity’s homelessness fund through the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation.
    • A number of Sodexo employees also participate in SSAFA’s mentoring scheme to help individuals transitioning from the military into civilian life.
    • Since 2019 Sodexo has supported the charity’s Friendly to Forces campaign, aimed at encouraging more UK companies to challenge their perceptions of hiring service leavers.

Sodexo's British Ex-Forces in Business Awards staff nominees