Travelodge has today announced the appointment of its new Property Director, Steve Bennett. Bennett takes on this key role within the business as the company seeks to open 100 new hotels across the UK over the next five years.
Bennett brings a wealth of experience in driving value from large property portfolios and in delivering high volumes of new site expansion. He joins Travelodge having previously been Director of Property at Marks & Spencer plc, overseeing the group’s new store acquisition programme, refit investments, asset management and an international strategic review.
Prior to his time at Marks & Spencer, Bennett held property director roles with Travis Perkins plc and Dixons Carphone plc, following earlier roles in new store development with Specsavers and the parent company of Superdrug, AS Watson.
Bennett will be reporting directly to the CEO, Peter Gowers, and will be a member of the group operating board.
Commenting on the appointment Travelodge CEO, Peter Gowers said: “We are delighted to welcome Steve as our new Property Director. We have an ambitious growth strategy and are aiming to open 100 new hotels across the UK over the next five years. Steve’s extensive experience within the UK property sector will be invaluable as we seek new opportunities to expand our network and deliver affordable travel for everyone.”
Reflecting on starting in his new role Steve Bennett, the new Travelodge Property Director said: “I am incredibly excited to be joining the UK’s iconic low cost hotel chain, Travelodge, as the company’s embarks on its next phase of development. There is a huge opportunity to expand the brand into new markets, and I am looking forward to growing the business further with my established team. We would like to have a Travelodge hotel literally ten minutes from where our customers’ need to be.”