Travelodge boss steps down amid fallout over security after sexual assault at hotel

See more This is Money on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Updated: 03:25 EDT, 20 August 2026 The boss of Travelodge has abruptly quit as the chain continues to overhaul its safety procedures following a sexual assault at one of its hotels.Travelodge said Joanna Boydell, who had been chief executive for just over four years, stepped down and will be replaced by finance boss Ray Reidy on an interim basis.The budget hotel chain has faced criticism over security failures, following the sexual assault of a woman by a man who was given a key card by Travelodge staff.Kyran Smith, who was jailed for seven-and-a-half years for the assault, attacked a woman in December 2022 at the Maidenhead branch of Travelodge. He lied to staff, telling them that he was the victim's boyfriend. Boydell was asked to meet MPs and peers to discuss the case, including Travelodge's security procedures that led to it offering the victim a £30 refund after the incident.It apologised for the offer, which it said was inappropriate under the circumstances, and opened a review into its security processes. Jo Boydell joined Travelodge as chief financial officer in 2013 before stepping up as chief executive in 2022Boydell faced criticism for cancelling a meeting with MPs, with Sir Keir Starmer calling on Boydell to 'seriously engage' with the Government. Reporting of the case led to other people coming forward to report security concerns at Travelodge hotels.The hotel chain said Paul Greaney KC had carried out an independent review, with an internal review ongoing and changes being rolled out. Travelodge now requires explicit permission from guests for any additional or replacement room keys, and it will never confirm to a third party if a guest is staying at one of its hotels. It said it had also undertaken a training programme put together by a Violence Against Women and Girls expert. Boydell joined Travelodge as chief financial officer in 2013 before stepping up to lead the hotel chain in May 2022.Interim chief executive Ray Reidy today 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.'Travelodge chair Stephen Shurrock added: 'We are delighted that Ray Reidy has agreed to serve as Interim CEO.'This announcement does not change anything about our focus on safety and security. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Jo for her dedication to Travelodge over the last 13 years.'Boydell's departure comes as Travelodge reported higher underlying earnings, which rose to £47.9million in the first half of the year from £47.3million a year. Revenue rose 4 per cent to £491.3million after a strong summer of events, including Harry Styles at Wembley Stadium, and the London Marathon which delivered a 'record revenue night for London'.But it said profit growth was held back by 'significant cost pressures'. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMSAJ BellAJ BellEasy investing and ready-made portfoliosHargreaves LansdownHargreaves LansdownFree fund dealing and investment ideasinteractive investorinteractive investorFlat-fee investing from £4.99 per monthFreetradeFreetradeInvesting Isa now free on basic planTrading 212Trading 212Free share dealing and no account feeAffiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence.Compare the best investing account for you