Travelodge, the UK’s first budget hotel chain, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jo Boydell to the board as Chief Financial Officer.
Jo will join the Company on 18 March 2013, replacing Jon Mortimore who will leave Travelodge following a handover period. Jo will report directly to Travelodge’s Chief Executive, Grant Hearn.
A qualified accountant, with a broad based experience as a financial professional in private and public companies, Jo brings a wealth of expertise to Travelodge.
Previous positions include: Finance Director at Mothercare plc and Snap Equity Ltd, the parent company of Jessops, as well as holding several senior financial roles at other major consumer-facing brands such as: Ladbrokes plc, Hilton Group plc, and the EMI Group.
Jon Mortimore, Travelodge’s current Chief Financial Officer, has decided to leave the Company to pursue new opportunities. Jon has been very instrumental in Travelodge’s development over the last nine years and led the company’s financial restructuring programme last year.
Commenting on Jo’s appointment, Grant Hearn, Travelodge Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jo as our new Chief Financial Officer. Jo has a wealth of experience of working in a range of high profile consumer brands and will play an integral part in helping us to grow our business and make Travelodge the best value hotel chain in the UK.”
Jo Boydell added: “I am very excited to be joining Travelodge at this pivotal moment in its history. It is a fantastic business, with a great customer following and I look forward to working closely with Grant and the management team, to deliver on the successful growth strategy over the coming years.”
Commenting on Jon Mortimore’s departure, Grant Hearn said: “Jon has been a central figure of the Travelodge management team over the last nine years and has played a key role in our journey to becoming the UK’s leading budget hotel operator. I understand his reasons for deciding that now is the time for a fresh challenge and we all wish him every success for the future.”
Jon Mortimore said: “I have had a fantastic time at Travelodge. The commitment, ethos and enthusiasm within the company has made it a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience. I look forward to watching the company’s renewed success as I move on to new challenges.”