Sodexo Live! appoints new director for sports & stadia division

Sodexo Live! has announced the appointment of Steven Cova as its new Divisional Operations Director for Sports & Stadia. Steven brings over 20 years of operational and commercial experience in senior leadership roles across some of the UK’s most iconic sporting and entertainment venues.

Throughout Steven’s career, he has consistently delivered growth and innovation, mobilising new stadia, driving digital transformation and pioneering sustainability initiatives. His track record includes overseeing multi-site operations with revenues exceeding £135 million, delivering successive years of sales and profit margin growth, and building high-performing teams recognised for service excellence.

Claire Morris, CEO Sodexo Live! UK & Ireland said:

“Steven is a great addition to our UK senior leadership team. Our people are at the heart of our business and Steven has proven success of building and developing talented teams with a focus on creating an inclusive working environment for all.

“Steven’s extensive experience and proven ability to drive operational excellence and innovation will be instrumental as we look to accelerate the growth of our sports and stadia business. We look forward to Steven helping us unlock new opportunities, strengthen our partnerships, and deliver even greater value to our clients and guests.”

Sodexo Live! supports some of the UK’s most iconic music, cultural and sporting events, plus conference centres and airport lounges, by delivering world class hospitality and food services. Producing outstanding catering and event services, it serves some of the most prestigious venues across Britain, delivering amazing experiences that go beyond the remarkable food it creates. It supports some of the world’s most iconic sports clubs and stadia, with its decades of experience and a proven track record of creating exceptional moments that bring people together and transforming stadia into thriving, 365-day destinations.

Sodexo Live! was Diamond Partner for the 2025 SVB LIVE Global Networking Event, hosted at the spectacular new Fulham Pier, which welcomed 300+ industry exes. The event was delivered in association with Portview, with sponsors Accredit Solutions, iXpole – a fanxp company, Populous and Global Payments.

Sodexo Live! was our Diamond Partner for the 2025 SVB LIVE Global Networking Event – hosted at Fulham FC’s at spectacular new Fulham Pier – delivered in association with Portview, with sponsors Accredit Solutions, iXpole – a fanxp company, Populous and Global Payments

In the UK, Sodexo Live! is the culinary partner to Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Ascot Racecourse, Newcastle United FC, Emirates Old Trafford and Nottingham Forest FC to name but a few.

The 2026 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition – with its focus on elevating the live experience through key pillars including Architecture & Design, Fit-Out & Interiors, Premium Experience and Technology – is being hosted at Everton’s spectacular new Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 1st and 2nd, with an Opening Night Icebreaker on September 30th.

About Sodexo Live!

Sodexo Live! supports some of the UK and Ireland’s most iconic music, cultural and sporting events, plus conference centres and airport lounges, by delivering world class hospitality and food services.

We help deliver globally recognised live events with a proven track record of creating exceptional moments that bring people together. We help our client partners to reach their true potential. We create exceptional moments and lasting memories for guests every time they visit the venues we serve, supporting long term revenue growth and delivering sustainable benefit in the heart of communities.

 

Globally, Sodexo Live! contributes to the success of events such as Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, the Rugby World Cup and the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, and showcases exceptional venues such as the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, Bateaux Parisiens, Yachts de Paris, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.

Other venues in the UK include Fulham FC, The ACC Liverpool, and Edinburgh’s magnificent Signet Library.

Sodexo Live! is part of Sodexo a global leader in food and services, shaping better everyday experiences at every moment in life: work, heal, learn and play. The Group stands out for its independence, its founding family shareholding and its responsible business model.  Find out more here: Sodexo Group – Food Services & Facilities Management.

Source & imagery, courtesy of Sodexo Live!

SVB LIVE provides an unrivalled, global community, with opportunities to network, collaborate and explore new possibilities year-round via the SVB LIVE Business Club.

Check out the latest sports & entertainment venue development data from across the globe in the exclusive, subscription-only, SVB Global Report here.

#SportsVenueBusiness – The leading global platform for sector news, views & developments

#SVBLIVE The leading global series of events for the live experience industry

Share This Article


This website uses cookies and asks your personal data to enhance your browsing experience.