Sodexo Live! Leadership Team

Sodexo Live!’s dedication and progressive spirit starts at the top. Our leaders’ combined industry experience strengthens the entire Sodexo Live! team and fosters a supportive space to create exceptional moments and dynamic growth.

Belinda Oakley
Chief Executive Officer, North America

Belinda Oakley is the Chief Executive Officer for Sodexo Live! North America where she leads 20,000+ team members at more than 150 partner venues throughout the U.S. and Canada, including stadiums, convention and conference centers, museums, zoos, aquariums, ski areas, and more.

A proven international business leader with two decades of foodservice management experience, Belinda has a track record of successfully leading enterprise growth strategies through operational excellence, innovation and the development of high performing teams. Her background in food service operations leadership spans multiple countries including the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom and Australia.

She’s held executive roles in franchised retail, quick-service restaurants and the corporate services sector for companies including Famous Brands International (Mrs. Field and TCBY), Brumby’s Bakeries and Benugo. Prior to joining Sodexo Live! in January 2023, she was the CEO of Chartwells K12 School Dining, leading 16,000 associates in 4,400 schools across the U.S.. Today, she is a member of the Sodexo Live! Global Executive Committee where she works in tandem with Sodexo Live!’s international teams to ensure growth, collaboration and new levels of success.

Belinda grew up in Tasmania, Australia and graduated from the University of Denver’s Executive MBA program with honors, where she still serves as an Adjunct Professor.

Hadi Monavar
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Possessing decades of hands-on experience across multi-faceted business operations, Hadi’s high professional standards and incisive approach to evaluating business opportunities helps to develop overall strategic growth for Sodexo Live! and its partners.

His deep knowledge of the industry creates strong business alliances, wise investment decisions and implementation of state-of-the-art financial and accounting systems. He oversees a team of 50+ professionals across accounting, data analytics, risk management, payment systems and capital planning.

A visionary with an aptitude for long-range planning, Hadi charges his team with developing solutions to achieve clients’ financial and guest satisfaction goals. He possesses a solid command by maintaining a focused and work-driven attitude, and he ensures complex financial arrangements are thoughtfully considered to ensure a firm financial footing for all involved.

Greg Fender
Executive Vice President Operations, West

Greg Fender oversees operations for Western America and Canada. A visionary foodservice and operations professional with more than 30 years of progressive experience contributing to optimal account performance, Greg is uniquely skilled in overseeing complex, large volume, multi-unit and special event venues that deliver service, revenues and efficiencies. He has a history of success in strategic planning to propel growth, and staff development to ensure service excellence.

Greg’s early career success managing foodservice operations for hotels, country clubs, convention centers, corporate dining and premier sports has positioned him to be a well-rounded leader who offers innovative and strategic ideas to catapult venues into success.

Greg is a graduate of St. Michael’s College and sits on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Concessionaires. He’s been with Sodexo Live! since 2009 and his passion for the industry coupled with his demonstrated abilities in client relations and account management makes him a standout in the industry. Some of Greg’s major event experiences include multiple Super Bowls, the World Series, College Football National Championships, Final Four Tournaments, conventions of every size and major stadium and convention center openings.

Sal Ferrulo
Executive Vice President Operations, East

Sal Ferrulo oversees operations for Eastern North America. A diplomatic leader, Sal’s more than 30 years of experience has landed him a reputation as an effective professional dedicated to excellence in service, guest satisfaction, and goal achievement. He ensures Sodexo Live!’s teams meet and exceed expectations while simultaneously maximizing revenue opportunities. Sal emphasizes adherence to the company’s mission, consistently delivering on guest and client commitments, infusing local culture into our offerings, and producing desired financial results.

Sal began his career at Comiskey Park before heading up food and beverage programs at Busch Stadium. From there, he was on the opening team for The Ballpark in Arlington, Texas where he became General Manager. As a fine-dining expert, he led the team that oversaw restaurant and luxury suite development for major venue clients for 14 years.

He possesses excellent leadership and communication skills, high energy and an ability to get things done. Some of Sal’s major event experience includes multiple Super Bowls, the World Series, MLB All-Star Game, College Football National Championships, the inaugural Formula One Miami Grand Prix, new stadium openings, and the Olympics.

Matthew Wagner
Senior Vice President, Strategic Growth

A seasoned veteran in leading corporate and divisional teams, Matt brings 20 years of dynamic professional experience to Sodexo Live!. He capitalizes on opportunities that build business and revenue streams, whether managing P&L’s or developing go-to-market strategies. Simply put, he’s adept at leading end-to-end processes that drive results.

His previous experience includes leadership roles at Delaware North, Solidifi, First Niagara Bank and Goldman Sachs where he managed teams of all sizes. Matthew is results-driven and an out-of-the-box thinker who is focused on pinpointing tactical solutions in order to reach new heights. His in-depth understanding of the industry has afforded him the ability to make decisions with thorough intention to benefit the business.

Matthew has an undergraduate degree from the University at Buffalo School of Management, The State University of New York, and an MBA from Cornell University’s, Johnson Graduate School of Management. He’s been with Sodexo Live! since October 2020.

Tracey Jenkins
Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Tracey Jenkins is a highly skilled, results-oriented global talent leader with more than three decades of experience in the field. She is an expert in cultivating and creating organizations capable of attracting, selecting, retaining, and developing top-tier talent. She has an outstanding track record of managing diverse and multicultural teams, and collaborating as a focused unit in order to help organizations achieve their strategic objectives.

With a demonstrated understanding of business priorities, organizational efficiencies and effectiveness, she specializes in executive coaching, change management and human resources management. Tracey hosts semi-annual assessment meetings with both client and Sodexo Live! leadership to ensure the effectiveness of updated training programs and to make sure individual goals are met. Tracey always looks to bring forth internal learning opportunities to support career growth by providing the latest and most innovative programs to Sodexo Live! teams.

Tracey is a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, she holds a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University, and she spent four years as VP of Talent Management for Sodexo North America before moving into her current role on the Sodexo Live! team in 2020.

Carmen Callo
Senior Vice President, Corporate Executive Chef

An effective and well-respected leader, Chef Carmen has been part of the team since 2002. He uses his 20+ years of professional experience to oversee all parts of the culinary experience for Sodexo Live!'s North American venue partners. He's responsible for hiring, training and retaining talented culinary leaders, implementing programs to promote health and food safety, deploying corporate culinary standards and sustainability practices, and promoting the integration of area businesses throughout food and beverage services. Chef Carmen prioritizes creating locally relevant and customized programs that feature tailored, best-in-class menus. He encourages collaboration and empowers his team with resources to deliver an exceptional guest experience every time.

He has previously worked across a range of food and beverage outlets including traditional restaurants, hotels, country clubs, convention centers and various sports and entertainment venues. He's also managed and cooked for major global and national events like Formula One Miami Grand Prix, multiple Super Bowls and College Football National Championships, Final Four Tournaments, and more.

Chef Carmen is a summa cum laude graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Providence Campus.

Rich Mitzner
Vice President, Client Relations

With nearly 40 years of experience working for Sodexo, Rich Mitzner joined Sodexo Live! in 2019 bringing his dedication and expertise to more than 170 clients.

Rich ensures that Sodexo Live! clients receive relevant value over the life of their contract by concentrating on operational excellence, building and nurturing business relationships, strong communications and aligning strategies. In his tenure with Sodexo Live!, account retention has reached a best-in-class rate of 99 percent. This strong foundation sets up Sodexo Live! for formidable growth in the coming years.

Having worked in and grown through various Sodexo roles over the years across fields of corporate dining, healthcare and education, Rich provides a well-rounded knowledge of how the business works at all levels, and how to make strategic, impactful improvements in an ever-changing climate to maximize client goals. As such, he remains engaged in working with onsite teams and business development to deliver customized solutions.

Paul Pettas
Vice President, Brand and Communications

A valued member of the team since 2017, Paul Pettas offers more than a decade of expertise in media relations, corporate and consumer brand building and social media management for Sodexo Live! and its partners.

Having previously worked in both agency and in-house communications roles, Paul has become an expert in planning and executing effective strategy with the ability to look at projects through multiple lenses to ensure a well-rounded outcome. He oversees Sodexo Live!’s internal and external communication across North America, while also functioning in a global role to support the airport lounges sector of the business, as well as major international events.

He drives engagement and excitement around Sodexo Live!’s ability to act as a trusted partner and revenue driver by showcasing culinary and operational excellence, and constantly looks at trends and timely news opportunities as a way to further highlight the team’s forward-thinking initiatives.

In addition to running point on all social media content and curation, he oversees crisis management as well as executive communications. Paul received a BA in Communications from Boston College and holds an Accreditation of Public Relations (APR).

Wouter Broekema
Vice President, Venue Sales

Wouter Broekema has a thorough background in senior marketing, business development and management positions within the leisure, travel and hospitality industry, centered around a strong focus on technology and innovation.

No stranger to Sodexo, he was the Global CEO for Circles/Sodexo Concierge Services for seven years prior to joining Sodexo Live! in 2022. In this role he was a driving force for strong growth trajectory, improved profitability, and expanding services in new markets. He possesses a deep understanding of meetings and events with a proven track record of revenue generation. He’s an admired leader who knows how to build high-performing teams that produce a strong ROI and ultimately introduce guests to our venue partners in reimagined ways. Wouter will also work closely with Sodexo Live!’s global marketing and sales teams to further weave the brand’s world-class approach into North American venue sales.

Wouter is a dual Dutch and U.S. citizen, he holds an MBA from the University of Groningen, Netherlands with a major in International Marketing & Management, and has been with the team since 2022.

Jill Crowe
Director of Executive Administration

Jill Crowe brings more than two decades of organizational management experience to Sodexo Live!. Her wide-ranging skillset provides colleagues of all levels with the preparation and confidence they need to keep daily tasks running smoothly. She’s experienced in managing large events, from big picture needs to minute details, and effortlessly keeps teams organized and connected across all sectors of business by building and maintaining strong relationships internally and externally with venue partners. Most notably, she leads and arranges Sodexo Live!'s annual meeting, corporate events of all types and partner hospitality at marquee events.

Prior to Sodexo Live!, Jill attended Pace University and began her hospitality career at Service America before moving to Fine Host. After joining Sodexo Live! in 2003, she worked with various departments including risk management, marketing and more to further grow her responsibilities and fine-tune her skills before moving to the Administration team in 2008.

Topher Larson
Vice President, Digital and Technology

With more than 20 years of experience in various leadership positions, Topher enhances the way we approach future-facing technologies both internally and for our partner venues.

He previously held roles as the Sales and Marketing Domain CIO for Sodexo and as the CIO for Circles, the concierge activity, driving strong growth trajectory. He also served as Director of Software Engineering for Circles, where he oversaw integration, analytics and the consumer experience.

Results-driven, he strategically uses technology and innovation to solve complex business problems that align to accomplish greater goals. By finding ways to optimize and streamline processes and procedures using a collaborative approach, he ensures on-time and on-budget projects. In his role, he continues to seek out and learn new technologies to stay current with the always changing high tech landscape.

Matthew Watt
Senior Counsel

In 2019, Matthew joined the team as Senior Counsel, bringing his strong work ethic and passion for the industry with him.

In his role, he combines a thorough knowledge of the law with strong communications skills and work ethic to provide legal guidance for Sodexo Live!’s operations across all lines of business. He has a fine-tuned attention to detail and works diligently to find creative solutions as issues arise. He works closely each day with Sodexo Live!’s leadership team and the broader Sodexo law department to support a broad range of business-related matters.

Prior to Sodexo Live!, Matthew worked in politics and information technology, and spent more than four years as an Assistant State’s Attorney prosecuting crime on behalf of the citizens of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He holds degrees from both the University of Maryland and the University of Baltimore School of Law.