EasyHotel chief executive François Bacchetta dies

EasyHotel chief executive François Bacchetta has died at the age of 56, just over a year after taking the helm of the group.

Harm Meijer, non-executive chairman of EasyHotel, issued a statement that read: "It is with the deepest regret that we confirm that François Bacchetta, chief executive officer of EasyHotel, has sadly passed away in France at the age of 56. There are no words to describe the sense of sadness and loss we are feeling at this time. He will be greatly missed by all of us here at EasyHotel and our thoughts are with his wife Angela, his two children and his entire family at this very difficult time.

"François joined EasyHotel in 2020. His wealth of experience, passion for our industry and dynamic leadership style has been invaluable to our business. François was one of the most charismatic, professional, talented, and modest people I have had the pleasure of working with. He cared passionately about our business and all of the people he worked with. François leaves behind a strong executive and wider team in which we have every confidence and of which I know François was incredibly proud."

Bacchetta joined EasyHotel in 2020 from sister company, budget airline EasyJet, where he spent 15 years, including as EasyJet's country director for France and Italy. He previously held senior marketing positions at global cosmetics group L'Oréal.

He replaced Guy Parsons, who stepped down after four years in the role shortly after investor consortium Bidco took control of the board.

EasyHotel is one of the spin-off brands from Stelios Haji-Ioannou's EasyGroup. The hotel group launched in 2005 with its first property, a 34-bedroom hotel in London's Kensington.