Guy Parsons promoted to UK chief executive of Travelodge

Guy Parsons has been promoted from managing director UK to chief executive officer (CEO) of budget hotel chain, Travelodge.

At the same time, Grant Hearn, CEO since 2003, becomes executive chairman and Keith Hamill, formerly non executive chairman, takes up the role of deputy chairman. 

The changes, which come into effect on 1 July 2010, will help drive forward Travelodge’s plans to add another 40,000 rooms to its existing 28,000 rooms in 390 hotels over the next 10 years.  By 2020 the company aims to have 1,000 hotels and a total of 70,000 rooms.

Parsons will head the day to day running of the company, while Hearn will focus on the Travelodge’s growth opportunities.

Hearn said that the last seven years, in which Travelodge has doubled in size as well has deliver a resilient performance through the recession has been very exciting.

“Now that we are recovering from this challenging period, it is time for the next phase of development for this company,” he said. 

Parsons said that with the company has created an exceptional platform for growth and he is looking forward to leading Travelodge into the future.

“As our business moves close to securing our ten millionth customer and its 400th hotel, we will focus on the future needs of the consumer and place our own people at the heart of our business.  With a very strong board and the recent additions to the executive team, I believe that this company has never been better placed for the future.”

Parsons joined Travelodge in 2004 from TGI Friday’s where he was managing director. Previously he worked as sales & marketing director for Whitbread Hotel Company, marketing director for Travel Inn and director of operations, sales and marketing for Accor.

Travelodge has also announced that Jon Hendry-Pickup has joined Travelodge as operations director.  He was formerly based in the Czech Republic as operations director, Czech Republic and Slovakia, for Tesco.

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