In a move to enhance its leadership in sustainability and corporate citizenship, Sodexo welcomed Arlin Wasserman as the company’s Vice President for Corporate Citizenship in November 2007. Wasserman brought with him two decades of experience in sustainability, recycling, community food, economic development and public policy issues.

“Our greatest strength is our diversity,” said Wasserman. “Our employees have the ability to create multicultural relationships that will assist in moving us towards our goals and, in turn, exceeding client expectations.” That was one of the many strengths that drew our new Vice President of Corporate Citizenship to Sodexo this past fall.

Wasserman is working with Sodexo’s North America senior management team to develop and implement strategies that promote Sodexo’s corporate citizenship, in addition to leading related initiatives with a special focus on food-related and environmental programs. He also serves as the company-wide coordinator for positioning and outreach related to employee quality of life, workforce diversity, ethics, core values and sustainability programs, in conjunction with Sodexo’s management team members.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this growing company,” said Wasserman. “The reputation that Sodexo has in the industry made this an exciting choice for me.” He is the founder of Changing Tastes, a consultancy focused on helping a wide range of organizations create sustainable food ventures.

When asked to identify areas in which he thought our employees could contribute, Wasserman said, “Creating and developing client partnerships around sustainability. We have the privilege of working in an industry where we can shape and change the course of hunger and poverty around the world. As a company, we can change the shape of a community purely by creating jobs and opportunities, en route to creating best solutions for our clients.”

Wasserman also views childhood obesity as a particular opportunity for change and where he hopes to make a large impact. “Education is a powerful tool in which we have the power and knowledge to demonstrate to our clients our expertise on what is good food and what is good for us. That alone can shape the way we do business.” Wasserman is the former recipient of a fellowship where he designed new agricultural business models aimed at reaching a wide audience from public health officials and policymakers to culinary professionals.

As a company, we are pleased to welcome him to the organization and look forward to the positive changes ahead.