Travelodge, one of the UK’s largest independent hotel brands, today announces that Craig Bonnar has been appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer.
Craig will report directly to the Chief Executive, Peter Gowers and be a member of the group’s operating board. He will take direct management responsibility for leading the group’s hotel operations across more than 500 hotels in the UK and Spain.
Craig joins Travelodge after more than twenty years with Asda Wal-Mart. During a career which began with a spell on the checkouts before joining the company’s graduate training programme, Craig held a range of senior positions including managing director of the cleaning and facilities business City FM, operations director for Scotland & Northern Ireland, head of retail operations and vice president, store proposition and format development.
Peter Gowers, Travelodge Chief Executive, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Craig as our new Chief Operating Officer. Travelodge is now benefiting from our multi-million pound modernisation and we are well underway with our ambitious expansion programme. Craig’s extensive experience in leading large multi-site operational teams to deliver great customer service at low-cost will be invaluable to the further development of the business.”
Craig Bonnar, Travelodge Chief Operating Officer said:
“I am hugely proud to be joining one of the UK’s largest hotel chains at an exciting time in its development. Travelodge is an iconic brand that has built a strong position as a leading player in the fast-growing value segment. We have excellent prospects for further growth and a great team in place. I am looking forward to helping us grow the business and continue Travelodge’s journey to become the UK’s favourite hotel for value.”
Images of Craig Bonnar are available by contacting the Travelodge Press Office.
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For further information, please contact:
The Travelodge Press office
Tel: 01844 35 8703
Email:pressoffice@travelodge.co.uk
Notes to editors:
About Travelodge
In 1985, Travelodge opened the UK’s first budget (value) hotel on the A38, in Barton-under-Needwood. Today, it is the UK’s largest independent hotel chain and has hotels in all major UK cities, towns, airports and holiday locations. The company operates 543 hotels in total - across the UK (526), Ireland (12) and Spain (5) as of 9th February 2017.
Travelodge is owned by GoldenTree Asset Management, Avenue Capital Group and Goldman Sachs.
Travelodge is on a journey to become Britain’s favourite hotel for value. In December 2015, the company successfully completed its £100 million nationwide hotel modernisation programme - showcasing the company’s new contemporary brand look and a new improved room design. The programme was completed in just 34 months by Travelodge’s in-house, 200-strong maintenance team.
Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which are based on our current expectations and projections about future events. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are no guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those stated in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Travelodge undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines any obligation, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.