Jurys Inn boss to leave in ‘a few weeks’

The chief executive of hotel chain Jurys Inn is to leave the company, it was announced today.

Niall Geoghegan said that, with the bedding-in process following the acquisition of the 23-strong hotel chain last year by Quinlan Private complete, it was time to pursue other challenges.

Geoghegan, who expects to leave within “a few weeks”, has been a member of the senior management team at Jurys for the past 15 years. He became chief executive of Jurys Doyle Group when it was taken private in 2006.

In 2007, the group sold the Jurys Inn part of its business to Quinlan Private and Geoghegan became chief executive of the budget brand.

Barbara Cassani, executive chairman at Jurys Inn and a member of the successful London 2012 Olympics bid team, said: “Niall has made a very strong contribution to the development of Jurys Inns, especially during the recent transition in ownership.”

John Brennan, director of hospitality and leisure at Quinlan, will become acting chief executive of the company on Geoghegan’s departure while a direct successor is recruited.

Jurys Inn, which markets itself as “premium budget”, has six new hotel openings planned in the UK during 2009, as well as plans to expand in Central and Eastern Europe.

Jurys Inn sells 50% stake to Middle Eastern investors >>

New chief executive joins Jurys Doyle >>

Quinlan Private buys Jurys Inn chain in £791m deal >>

By Chris Druce

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