EasyJet country director for France and Italy is joining sister super budget brand easyHotel as chief executive.
Francois Bacchetta is expected to join the company in the spring after 15 years with the low cost carrier.
He replaces Guy Parsons, who stepped down in November after four years following investor consortium Bidco taking control of the chain.
Bacchetta previously held senior marketing positions at global cosmetics group L’Oreal, including being responsible for territories in South East Asia, as well as Europe.
The hotel group’s non-executive chairman Harm Meijer said: “Following a comprehensive search, we are pleased that Francois is joining us to lead easyHotel in its aspiration to become a European leader in the super budget hotel segment.
“He knows the easy brand and understands its values extremely well.
“He also brings a wealth of experience in developing businesses, strategy, business optimisation, leadership, marketing and revenue management.”
Bacchetta added: “EasyHotel is a business I greatly admire and I am thrilled to be appointed.
“With a strong hotel network established in the UK, I believe this is a very exciting time for the brand and I look forward to leading the expansion in Europe as the group seeks to become a leader in the budget hotel space.”