Travelodge is pleased to announce the appointment of Alex Thomson as Director of Information Technology.
Alex joins Travelodge from Europe's leading specialist electrical retailing group - DSG International plc. DSG owns retail and e-tail brands including PC World Curry's and Dixons.co.uk in the UK.
During his 17 year career with the Group, Alex has held a variety of positions - the most recent International Supply Chain Programme Director. Among his achievements at DSGi, Alex led the implementation of Dixon's Data Warehouse, delivered the IT infrastructure to support the Group's Customer Contact Centre and was head of Supply Chain and Distribution systems before going on to led the e-commerce development team.
Alex joins the Travelodge team immediately; he will sit on the Executive team and report directly to Jon Mortimore, Chief Financial Officer.
Alex will be responsible for the IT Strategy that will support Travelodge's aggressive UK expansion plan - to open 40 new hotels each year. Central to this plan is the continued development of the dominant web channel - travelodge.co.uk and the secure delivery of the core business systems.
Jon Mortimore, Travelodge's Chief Financial Officer commented: "We are delighted to have secured Alex's appointment as his retail experience will be vital in supporting our aggressive growth strategy. With a hotel opening on average, every eight working days, the IT infrastructure will be fundamental in achieving that growth. With web also being in the core of our low cost model, Alex's IT strategy will facilitate numerous online developments we have planned over the coming months".
Alex Thomson commented: "I am very excited to be leading the IT agenda for the UK's fastest growing budget hotel chain. The companys ambitious growth plans will demand an even more efficient and progressive IT infrastructure over the coming years and I am looking forward to working with the Travelodge team to deliver it."
Travelodge has recently announced the first phase of a £1m website development programme that will enable online customers to purchase goods, tickets to events/attraction as well as book rooms. This technology will also enable Travelodge to partner with a broader range of online retailers to sell products customers can use during their stay.
The budget chain has also announced a further round of price cuts reducing room rates by £20m in 2007. This new price drive, along with the opening of 40 new hotels in 2007 will dramatically increase usage of travelodge.co.uk. Currently 80% of Travelodge bookings are via the web and there are 2.5 million visitors each month to www.travelodge.co.uk. The website has a membership of around half a million which is expected to grow to a million by the end of 2007.
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For further information please contact:
Shakila Ahmed
PR & Communications Manager
Direct Line: 01844 35 8638
Mobile: 07802 702 499
Notes to Editor:
Image of Alex Thomson available on request
Travelodge is the UK's fastest growing budget hotel brand. It currently has 312 hotels throughout the UK, rooms are available from £15.