Travelodge interim chief executive Craig Bonnar is taking on the role permanently.
He has held the interim position at the 580-strong UK budget chain since the start of the year.
Bonnar has been a member of the group operating board since becoming chief operating officer in January 2017.
He previously worked at Asda for more than 20 years, having started on the shop floor, joining a graduate programme and progressing through the business holding a variety of senior roles.
Bonnar, describing Travelodge as “one of the UK’s great brands,” said: “I take on this new role with great ambition for the group and I am looking forward to working with the leadership team to build upon the brand’s strong foundation with Travelodge being well positioned to benefit from recovery as restrictions are lifted and demand builds.
“Our immediate priorities are to reopen all our hotels and resume full trading, continue to rebuild relationships with our landlords and plan for the future.”
Company chairman Martin Robinson said: “I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Craig as our permanent chief executive, which comes at an important and exciting time for the brand.
“In the short time I’ve been with Travelodge I have been extremely impressed by Craig’s energy, strategic insight and exceptional leadership qualities.
“He has led us through a critical period of recovery and with his in-depth knowledge as COO and passion for the brand; Craig was the natural choice to lead the business on the next leg of its journey.”