Young-ish white guy with blonde hair in a suit

Sodexo, a food service and facilities management company with locations throughout the world, announced the hire of Matthew C. Wagner to the role of Senior Vice President, Business Development, Sports & Leisure North America. An industry veteran who has joined the segment’s executive team, Wagner will be instrumental in guiding the company's ambitious growth efforts in the years ahead, using his deep wealth of experience to lead business building initiatives on behalf of Sodexo and Centerplate’s partners.

"I am tremendously excited to collaborate closely with our talented team to bolster our portfolio of partner venues in lockstep with our global network of experts,” said Wagner. "We are eager and motivated to bring a new standard of guest experience to a wide swath of fans, guests and attendees. The future is bright.”

Previously, Wagner worked at Sodexo's industry competitor Delaware North, where he led various development teams including the business builders group, business development and partnered with corporate development.

"It's more important than ever that we contribute innovative ideas that help our clients grow their businesses and brands to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape," said Steve Pangburn, CEO, Sodexo Sports & Leisure North America. “I can't think of anyone better suited for this role than Matt, who has a deep hospitality background and a high-level vision perfectly suited for communicating the equity that we can bring to our valued venue partners in 2021 and beyond – whether for sports venues, convention centers, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens or the many types of venues which we serve.”

Wagner’s credentials also include leadership roles for residential real estate appraisal provider Solidifi, First Niagara Bank as senior vice president of its consumer finance division, Goldman & Sachs in its asset management and securities divisions in New York City and with M&T Bank, joining the company through its management development program. Wagner graduated from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management with his MBA and received a bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo (UB) School of Management. He is an active member of the board of directors of Student Agencies Inc. and The Ralph C. Wilson Explore and More Children’s Museum board.