{
  "id": 2091187,
  "title": "Travelodge boss steps down after security issues in rooms",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/travelodge-boss-steps-down-after-security-issues-in-rooms-2091187",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-20T07:17:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Business",
    "slug": "bbc-business",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2k7e7zwxvyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jo Boydell, the chief executive of hotel chain Travelodge, has resigned following security concerns at one of its properties. The incident unfolded in December 2022 when a guest at a hotel in Maidenhead, Berkshire, was sexually assaulted. The attacker had deceived hotel staff by providing a false story to obtain a key card for the woman's room. Kyran Smith, the perpetrator, was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison for his heinous act. Boydell announced her resignation on August 17 and was subsequently succeeded by interim CEO Ray Reidy. In a statement, Reidy emphasized the company's commitment to guest safety and security, vowing to implement further enhancements. The hotel chain had previously come under scrutiny for its response to safety and security issues, with former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urging Boydell to collaborate more closely with the government on these matters. Additionally, another guest in Scotland recounted a terrifying experience in which a man mistakenly granted a key card to their room while they were asleep, leading to a disturbing encounter.",
  "summary": "Jo Boydell had been criticised for the company's handling of issues with its safety and security.",
  "key_points": [
    "Jo Boydell resigns as Travelodge CEO",
    "Sexual assault at Maidenhead hotel in Dec 2022",
    "New interim CEO Ray Reidy vows safety improvements"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The CEO's departure marks a significant change in leadership as the company faces heightened scrutiny over its handling of safety and security issues and vows to enhance guest protection measures.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}