Travelodge boss steps down amid safety overhaul after sexual assault at hotel

Travelodge chief executive Jo Boydell has stepped down as the group continues to overhaul its safety measures after a sexual assault at one of the chain’s hotels.

The firm said Boydell leaves after 13 years with the group and will be replaced by chief financial officer Ray Reidy on an interim basis while they hunt for a permanent successor.

Boydell was heavily criticised for how she handled the incident and concerns over safety across the chain, prompting former UK prime minister Keir Starmer to step in earlier this year and urge her to “seriously engage” with the Britsh government on the issue after she cancelled a meeting with MPs.

We remain focused on the safety and wellbeing of our guests and will continue taking the actions necessary to strengthen the business

A guest at a Travelodge in Maidenhead, Berkshire, was sexually assaulted by a man who had been given a key card to her room.

Kyran Smith was jailed in February for seven-and-a-half years following the attack in December 2022.

Reidy said: “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.”