Sodexo Group’s worldwide Government And Healthcare CEO, Debbie White, is to replace Adrian Ringrose as chief executive of Interserve, the firm announced today.

Ringrose, who handed in his resignation in November 2016 after 14 years in the role, will remain in post until September 1 to ensure an orderly transition, at which point Debbie White will also join the Interserve Plc board.

Debbie joined Sodexo in 2004 as chief financial officer (CFO) in the UK & Ireland and in 2008 was appointed CFO of Sodexo’s North American business, before being appointed CEO, UK & Ireland in 2012.

She substantially grew both profit and revenue, while also improving employee engagement and health and safety performance.

Under her leadership, the business diversified into probation services and achieved further growth through acquisition.

In 2015, Debbie took worldwide responsibility for the company’s Government and Healthcare businesses - a £5 billion a year division operates in 34 countries.

After graduating with an economics degree from Cambridge, Debbie started her career with Arthur Andersen in the UK, before joining AstraZeneca where she held a wide range of financial roles.

She later became a director at PWC Consulting where she worked across a number of sectors in a global role, advising on integration, financial performance improvement and post-merger integration. She is a trustee of the charity Wellbeing of Women and a non-executive director of Howden Joinery Group Plc.

Interserve chairman Glyn Barker said: “Having conducted an extensive search and selection process, I am delighted that Debbie White is joining Interserve as CEO. Debbie has considerable experience and expertise and a strong track record of success in running complex businesses in the international support services sector. I am confident that, under Debbie’s leadership, the team will deliver the change and growth necessary to take Interserve forward and enhance shareholder value.”

Debbie White added, “I am delighted to be joining Interserve. Over the years I have had a great respect for the company and its people and I am looking forward to leading the organisation into a new era.”