Whitbread appoints Severn Trent's Hodgson as its new chair

(Sharecast News) - Premier Inn owner Whitbread announced the appointment of Christine Hodgson as its next chair on Tuesday, effective 1 September. She would succeed Adam Crozier, who would step down and retire from the board on the same date after serving as chair for seven years.

The FTSE 100 hospitality company credited Crozier with guiding Whitbread through a period of strategic transformation, during which it sharpened its focus on becoming Europe's leading budget hotel operator.

Hodgson currently serves as chair of Severn Trent, and had senior leadership roles across technology and consumer-facing sectors, including with high-growth international businesses.

Whitbread said her experience would be instrumental as the group continued to deliver on its five-year plan and accelerated the expansion of Premier Inn in Germany.

The appointment followed a selection process led by senior independent director Richard Gillingwater, who said Hodgson would be an "outstanding" successor.

Hodgson said she was honoured to take on the role at what she described as an exciting time for the company.

"It has been a privilege to lead the Whitbread board through this period of growth and change," commented outgoing chair Adam Crozier.

"I'm proud that as I leave the business, we are on course for Premier Inn to become Europe's number one budget hotel business.

"I want to thank my colleagues on the board, and the whole Whitbread team, for their support during my time as chair, and wish Christine and everyone in the business every success in the future."

At 0857 BST, shares in Whitbread were up 1.07% at 2,830p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.