Key facts
- Travelodge CEO Jo Boydell has resigned after 13 years.
- Ray Reidy, the chief financial officer, has been appointed interim CEO.
- The resignation follows criticism over security failings, including a sexual assault at a hotel.
- Kyran Smith was jailed for seven-and-a-half years for a sexual assault at a Travelodge.
- Travelodge has implemented new room access policies and staff training.
- The company reported a four percent revenue jump to £491.3m in the six months to June.
Travelodge chief executive Jo Boydell has stepped down after 13 years with the hotel group, amid criticism over the handling of security failings that led to guest assaults. Chief financial officer Ray Reidy will serve as interim CEO while the company searches for a permanent replacement.
The incidents include a sexual assault at a Travelodge in Maidenhead, Berkshire, where a female guest was attacked by a man who had been given a key card to her room by reception staff. In another case, a woman staying in a London Travelodge was attacked after a man was given a key by reception staff, who did not verify his identity with the guest.
Boydell faced significant criticism for her response to these incidents and broader safety concerns. Then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously urged her to "seriously engage" with the government after she cancelled a meeting with MPs.
Travelodge stated that senior lawyer Paul Greaney KC completed his review into its room security policies and handling of serious incidents, finding the group has "acted quickly to make changes to improve safety and security across our operations." The company is working with UK Hospitality to develop best-practice guidance and has implemented a new room access policy requiring explicit permission for extra keys. Travelodge, owned by US-based GoldenTree Asset Management, operates 600 properties across the UK, Ireland, and Spain and reported a four percent jump in revenue to £491.3m in the six months to June.