Travelodge Hotels Ltd, the UK’s fastest growing hotel chain has today announced the appointment of Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of the Dubai based hotel management company Jumeirah Group; as a Non Executive Director. He will join the Board with effect from 3rd May 2011.
Gerald has been with the Jumeirah Group, which is owned by Dubai Holding since 1997. Over the last 14 years, Gerald has spearheaded the Company to become one of the most distinctive and innovative hospitality groups worldwide. He has also been responsible for launching the most famous hotel in the world, the seven star Burj Al Arab.
Prior to joining the Jumeirah Group, Gerald had a 23-year career with Forte Hotels, where he managed hotels in the UK, South Africa, Ireland and the Caribbean. In 1991 he established Forte’s Middle East office in Dubai, and oversaw growth in the region from three to twenty hotels within six years.
Grant Hearn, Travelodge Chairman said: “We are delighted to welcome Gerald to our board. As a strong international leader, Gerald has a proven track record of building highly successful global hospitality brands. His vast experience and knowledge will be a great asset in helping our growth strategy and taking Travelodge into new territories both in the UK and internationally.”
Gerald Lawless said: “I am pleased to join the board of Travelodge and look forward to contributing to the continued success of the company, as a representative of Dubai Holding.”
Biography: Gerald Lawless
Gerald Lawless is a Graduate of Shannon College of Hotel Management in Ireland and holds an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management by the Johnson & Wales University, State of Rhode Island in the U.S.A. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and a fellow member of the Institute of Hospitality (formerly HCIMA). In addition, Gerald is a member of the Dubai Holding Executive Committee and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Emirates National Development Programme (ENDP). Gerald also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.
About Travelodge
Travelodge was the first budget hotel brand to launch in the UK in 1985, Travelodge now operates 466 hotels and 32,477 rooms - ten in Ireland, three in Spain and the rest in the UK.
Travelodge plans to grow its estate to 1,100 hotels and 100,000 rooms by 2025. Over 13 million people stayed with Travelodge last year and 87% of reservations are currently made online at travelodge.co.uk, where room rates start at £19 a night. The chain employs over 6,000 staff.