Travelodge chief executive Grant Hearn is to leave after a decade with the budget hotel operator.
He will remain in his role until Travelodge appoint a successor.
Hearn joined Travelodge in 2003 as chief executive and remained in the position until July 2010, when he was made chairman. The board asked him to return as chief executive in April 2012 to oversee the group’s financial restructuring.
Hearn was previously managing director at Hilton UK & Ireland.
Travelodge opened its first property in 1985 and today it operates 521 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain.
Travelodge chairman Brian, said: “Hearn has been an outstanding leader for Travelodge. Under his leadership, the brand has been repositioned from a roadside hotel operator to being one of the UK’s leading hotel brands.
The company’s portfolio has more than doubled in size and today Travelodge is a household name with an exceptional digital presence. Hearn leaves behind an extremely capable team, one which is already working on building the next exciting growth phase for Travelodge.
“On a personal note, I have known Hearn for more than 12 years and I wish him every success for the future. I am very grateful that he will continue as Travelodge’s chief executive through this transitional period.”
