The boss of Travelodge has abruptly quit as the chain continues to overhaul its safety procedures following a sexual assault at one of its hotels.
The firm said Joanna Boydell, who had been chief executive for just over four years, has stepped down and will be replaced by finance boss Ray Reidy on an interim basis.
The budget hotel chain has faced criticism over security failures after a woman was sexually assaulted by a man who was given a key card by staff.
Kyran Smith, who was jailed for seven-and-a-half years for the assault, attacked a woman in December 2022 at the Maidenhead branch of Travelodge after he lied to staff by telling them he was the victim's boyfriend.
Ms Boydell was asked to meet MPs and peers to discuss the case as well as Travelodge's security procedures, which led to the victim being offered a £30 refund following the assault.
The chain apologised for the offer, which it said was inappropriate under the circumstances. It has since opened a review into its security processes.
Joanna Boydell joined Travelodge as chief financial officer in 2013 before becoming chief executive in 2022
Ms Boydell faced criticism for cancelling a meeting with MPs, with Sir Keir Starmer calling on her to 'seriously engage' with the Government.
Reporting of the case led to others coming forward to report security concerns at Travelodge hotels.
The hotel chain said Paul Greaney KC had carried out an independent review, with an internal review ongoing and changes being rolled out.
Travelodge now requires explicit permission from guests for any additional or replacement room keys, and it will never confirm whether a guest is staying at one of its hotels to a third party.
It said it had also undertaken a training programme put together by a Violence Against Women and Girls expert.
Ms Boydell joined Travelodge as chief financial officer in 2013 before becoming chief executive in May 2022.
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Interim chief executive Ray Reidy today said: 'We remain focused on the safety and well-being 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.'
Travelodge chairman Stephen Shurrock added: 'We are delighted that Ray Reidy has agreed to serve as Interim CEO.
'This announcement does not change anything about our focus on safety and security.
On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Jo for her dedication to Travelodge over the last 13 years.'
Ms Boydell's departure comes as Travelodge reported higher underlying earnings, which rose to £47.9million in the first half of the year from £47.3million a year.
Revenue rose 4 per cent to £491.3million after a strong summer of events, including Harry Styles at Wembley Stadium, and the London Marathon which delivered a 'record revenue night for London'.
But it said profit growth was held back by 'significant cost pressures'.
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