KENDLEY DAVENPORT NAMED SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF FOOD SALES FOR SODEXHO USA SCHOOL SERVICES

GAITHERSBURG, MD - January 17, 2005 - Sodexho USA., the leading provider of food and facilities services in North America, announced today that Kendley Davenport was promoted to the role of senior vice president of food sales for Sodexho USA's School Services Division. His responsibilities will include business development and strategic initiatives for all food-related services and operations for Sodexho USA's K-12 public school districts. Davenport will report directly to Rod Bond, president of Sodexho USA School Services.

Davenport is a 12-year veteran of Sodexho USA, who previously worked as a regional director for Sodexho's Spirit™ Cruises subsidiary. Throughout his tenure he has held management positions in five of the seven markets for Spirit Cruises, strengthening sales, customer relations and marketing management including media buying, customer research, sales material and software development. He was also one of five executive team members responsible for the strategic direction of the company.

For the past three years, Davenport was responsible for 14 percent of the harbor cruise company's revenue in Chicago, the company's most competitive marketplace. In this position, Davenport increased sales 18 percent in his first year while improving customer and employee satisfaction scores to an all-time high for the fleet.

Prior to his position with Spirit Cruises in Chicago, Davenport was regional director for five ships in three U.S. ports including the Spirit of Norfolk, Spirit of Washington, Potomac Spirit, Elite Yacht Cruises and the Annabel Lee. This business represented 26 percent of the company's revenues.

“We are pleased that Kendley has accepted this position within Sodexho USA's School Services Division,” said Bond. “He will be a valuable addition to our team and a driving force for our strategic growth. His experience with Sodexho USA's Spirit Cruises demonstrates the leadership quality and passion for success that we value.”

Davenport holds two bachelor of science degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a masters of business administration from University of Tennessee.

Sodexho USA (www.sodexhoUSA.com) is the leading provider of food and facilities management in the United States, with $6 billion in annual revenue and 110,000+ employees. Sodexho USA offers innovative outsourcing solutions in food service, housekeeping, grounds keeping, plant operations and maintenance, asset management, and laundry services to more than 6,000 corporations, health care, long term care and retirement centers, schools, college campuses, military and remote sites in North America. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, Sodexho USA proudly serves as the official food service provider for the US Marine Corps.