Former Center Parcs boss Martin Robinson has been named as chairman of Travelodge.
He currently chairs the UK business for Burger King and holiday park operator Parkdean Resorts.
Robinson also spent ten years on the boards of Disneyland Paris and Regus and has chaired various other businesses, including Holmes Place Health Clubs and Wagamama.
He has been appointed following the death of fomer Travelodge chairman Brian Wallace.
The 586-strong budget chain has operated a smaller network during the Covid pandemic to provide accommodation for key workers.
Travelodge non-executive board director Stephen Shurrock said: “Martin brings a broad wealth of hospitality and strategic management experience to the role.
“The well-established management team and board look forward to working with him to further develop the Travelodge business.
“As travel restrictions start to be relaxed, business and leisure confidence returns, and our market recovers, Travelodge is well positioned to benefit from improvements in trading conditions.”
Robinson said: “It is a great honour to join Travelodge, which is not just a British hotel icon but also a model of a great value brand. Its resilience has helped it to navigate through the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Now, is an exciting time to be joining the company, as it embarks on the next exciting phase in its development.
“My passion is to unleash the true potential of a brand with a focus on delivering for our customers in a rapidly changing consumer market.”