Before joining Sodexo, Jepson was group director of estates and facilities at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), a long-standing client partner of Sodexo.

Jepson has extensive operational and leadership experience in facilities management across the public and private sectors. He is passionate about people development and an advocate for apprenticeships for people at all levels.

Jean Renton, chief executive Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: ‘With his experience in leading NHS estates, multi-site operational delivery and commercial experience, Rob is well positioned to lead our Health & Care business and support our clients' priorities for safe, reliable, and responsive services.'

Jepson added: ‘Having worked so closely with Sodexo over the past four-and-a-half years at MFT, I've seen not only the strength of its business but also the genuine, family feel that makes it such a valued partner.

‘Joining Sodexo's Health & Care team feels like a natural step, and I'm excited to build on the strong client relationships Philip has fostered. I can see that people sit at the heart of everything Sodexo does, and that aligns closely with my own priorities and values. I'm looking forward to working with the Health & Care team and our clients to address challenges together and to drive sustainable growth.'