In an interview with the BBC, Travelodge chief executive Jo Boydell says she only became aware of the assault during the court case almost three years later
The boss of hotel chain Travelodge, Jo Boydell, is stepping down as the group addresses safety issues after a sexual assault at one of its hotels.
A woman staying at a hotel in Maidenhead, Berkshire was sexually assaulted in December 2022 after a man lied to staff to get a key card to her room, triggering an independent review of security measures at the hotel giant.
Kyran Smith was jailed for seven years and six months for the attack.
Boydell, who stood down on 17 August, has been replaced on an interim basis by Ray Reidy. In a statement, Reidy said: “We remain focused on the safety and well-being 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.”
Earlier this month, a domestic violence victim told the BBC how she was attacked in her hotel room after Travelodge reception staff gave a key to her abuser.
The woman said she was “failed” by the chain and described it as one of the “most traumatic nights of my life” after the man kicked the door off its hinges.
Boydell had been criticised for the company’s handling of issues with its safety and security.
In March, the then Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wrote to Boydell urging her to “seriously engage” with the government over security at its hotels.
In another incident, a couple in Scotland woke to find a shirtless man in their hotel bedroom after he was mistakenly given a key card to their door.
