Travelodge CEO Steps Down Amid Safety Overhaul
Jo Boydell's departure follows a sexual assault at a Maidenhead hotel, prompting new key card protocols and an interim leadership change.
Callum Smith
Travelodge chief executive Jo Boydell has stepped down from her role.
New protocols demand explicit guest permission for any additional or replacement room key. The company will also no longer confirm a guest's stay to any third party.
Travelodge is now checking and confirming that all key-card doors include a secondary deadbolt. Bosses are also undertaking a comprehensive training program focused on tackling violence against women and girls.
The safety and security of customers in our hotels is extremely important and we want everyone to be safe, and feel safe, in our hotels.
Travelodge stated, "The safety and security of customers in our hotels is extremely important and we want everyone to be safe, and feel safe, in our hotels." The company added, "We have acted quickly to make changes to improve safety and security across our operations."
Despite these security challenges, Travelodge reported a jump in revenue from £471.3 million to £491.3 million in the first half of the year. Turnover lifted 4%.
We remain focused on the safety and wellbeing of our guests and will continue taking the actions necessary to strengthen the business. We will also continue to engage proactively and constructively with Government and the wider hospitality industry on the issue of safety and security.
Ray Reidy affirmed Travelodge's commitment, stating, "We remain focused on the safety and wellbeing of our guests and will continue taking the actions necessary to strengthen the business." Reidy added that Travelodge "will also continue to engage proactively and constructively with Government and the wider hospitality industry on the issue of safety and security."
Travelodge has previously defended itself, saying such instances are “very rare” and customer safety remains a priority.
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