Compass Group Canada & ESS North America Names Gaétan de L’Hermite as CEO for Next Phase of Growth

Saajid Khan to become CEO of Bon Appétit Management Company within Compass Group North America after 16 years leading the business.

MISSISSAUGA, ON — Compass Group Canada, a leader in foodservice, hospitality, and support services, today announced that Gaétan de L’Hermite has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Compass Group Canada & ESS North America, succeeding Saajid Khan, who will step into a new role as Chief Executive Officer of Bon Appétit Management Company (“Bon Appétit”) within Compass Group North America.

Khan will remain actively involved throughout the planned transition period over the summer, working closely with de L’Hermite and the Compass Canada leadership team to ensure continuity for clients, partners, and employees. De L’Hermite will formally assume the role in the fall, at which time Khan will begin his new role as CEO of Bon Appétit.

“Compass Group Canada & ESS North America is an exceptional business with talented people, trusted client partnerships, and significant momentum,” said Saajid Khan. “Together, we have built an award-winning culture, grown to more than $2 billion in revenue, and established leading positions across many of the sectors we serve. I am incredibly proud of what our teams have accomplished, and I have complete confidence in Gaétan’s leadership as the business enters its next phase of growth.”

De L’Hermite is a seasoned Compass Group executive with more than 22 years of international experience, most recently overseeing the Asia Pacific (“APAC”) portfolio — including Australia — as CEO of Compass Group APAC. He has previously served as CEO of Compass Group France and Managing Director of Compass Group Ireland, along with other senior leadership roles across Compass Group.

Saajid Khan will move into the role of CEO, Bon Appétit Management Company, following a transition period with Gaétan de L’Hermite this summer.

“Having worked with Gaétan in the past, I know firsthand the kind of leader he is,” continued Khan. “He brings deep operational expertise, strong values, and a genuine commitment to our people and clients. With his decades-long Compass experience and track record of driving quality and growth, I am confident this will be a seamless transition and that Gaétan is the right person to lead Compass Canada through its next chapter.”

Under Khan’s leadership, Compass Group Canada & ESS North America has strengthened its position as a market leader, expanded its client partnerships, and continued to advance a culture rooted in people, service, innovation, and operational excellence. Today, the business serves clients across diverse sectors nationwide and enters this transition from a position of strength, with an experienced leadership team and a solid foundation for future growth.

“I am honoured to be joining Compass Group Canada & ESS North America at such an exciting time for the business,” said Gaétan de L’Hermite. “Saajid and the team have built a strong business known for quality, backed by a clear strategy, and positioned for tremendous opportunity ahead. My focus will be on building on the strong foundation already in place while continuing to deliver exceptional service and experiences for our clients. I look forward to working closely with our teams, clients, and partners across Canada and North America.”