Michael Svagdis appointed CEO of Campus and Government Services at Sodexo North America
Sodexo North America, a provider of food services and facilities management across education, corporate, healthcare, and government sectors, has appointed Michael Svagdis as CEO of Campus and Government Services, U.S., effective February 17, 2025.
He will replace Brett Ladd, who is retiring after 36 years with the company.
Svagdis will oversee Sodexo’s higher education and government services divisions, focusing on service delivery and expanding market presence.
Professional background
Svagdis has over 25 years of experience in foodservice and facilities management. Before joining Sodexo, he was CEO of SSP America, where he managed food and beverage operations in airports across the U.S., Canada, Bermuda, and Brazil. Previously, he held executive roles at Compass Group, overseeing foodservice programs in corporate and healthcare sectors.
Svagdis said Sodexo has a strong industry reputation and emphasized his focus on operational improvement:
“Sodexo has built a reputation for excellence and providing clients with high-quality dining options and superior facilities management. I am excited to get started working with our partners and teams to further enhance the company’s industry position and deliver outsized value to clients by leaning even more into talent development, operational efficiency, and collaboration, which are hallmarks of the organization.”
Sodexo’s strategic direction
Sarosh Mistry, President and CEO of Sodexo North America, said Svagdis brings experience in managing large-scale foodservice operations and will help drive growth in higher education and government services:
“Michael is a phenomenal leader with a proven track record of delivering strong results and building lasting relationships. We see significant opportunities to expand our impact in the higher education space while also continuing to bolster our offerings in government services.
“Michael’s expertise in large-scale foodservice programs makes him the ideal leader to drive growth and innovation in these important markets. Equally as important, Michael’s leadership philosophy—centered on people, culture, and performance—aligns seamlessly with our mission and reflects the value and differentiation that Sodexo brings to clients, associates, and communities across the U.S.”
