Travelodge chief executive Jo Boydell has resigned following widespread criticism of her handling of a sexual assault at a Maidenhead hotel, where a man was given a key card to a female guest's room. The company is continuing to overhaul its safety procedures after the incident, which occurred in December 2022.
Attack and conviction
A guest at the Travelodge in Maidenhead, Berkshire, was sexually assaulted by a man who had been provided with a key card to her room. The attacker, Kyran Smith, was jailed in February for seven-and-a-half years for the assault. The incident sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about security protocols at the hotel chain.
Jo Boydell had been with Travelodge for 13 years. She will be replaced on an interim basis by chief financial officer Ray Reidy while the company searches for a permanent successor. Boydell faced heavy criticism not only for her initial response to the assault but also for broader safety concerns across the chain.
Political involvement and criticism
The controversy escalated earlier this year when former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer intervened, urging Boydell to “seriously engage” with the Government on the issue. This came after she cancelled a scheduled meeting with MPs to discuss safety measures. The incident and subsequent handling drew sharp rebukes from politicians and campaigners alike.
In a statement, Ray 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.”
Next steps for Travelodge
Travelodge has indicated that it is revamping its safety measures in response to the assault and the ensuing criticism. The company has not provided specific details of the changes but has committed to strengthening its security protocols. The search for a permanent chief executive is ongoing, with Reidy leading the company in the interim.
