New chief executive appointed to take over at Moto Hospitality

Motorway service area operator Moto Hospitality has appointed Ken McMeikan as its chief executive officer to replace Tim Moss, who is standing down after 12 years in the post, and 20 years with the company.

McMeikan joins Moto from Brakes Group, where he was CEO.

His career began at Sears, and he later joined Tesco where he held a variety of posts, including CEO of Tesco Japan, and Europa Foods, and went on to become retail and e-commerce director of Sainsbury’s before becoming CEO of Greggs, prior to joining Brakes.

He will join Moto on 1 November, with Moss remaining at the helm until McMeikan has completed his induction, ensuring a smooth transition.

McMeikan said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining Moto. It’s a great business with significant growth opportunities. I am really looking forward to working with the team to provide an outstanding motorway services experience for customers.”

Moss, who led Moto in its separation from Compass Group in 2006, said: “It has been a pleasure to lead the business with a great team of people, who have all contributed to building a highly successful British-owned business. We are proud of our role transforming the industry over this period; introducing popular high street brands and improving the standard of facilities and service for our 120 million annual visitors. The business is continuing to grow and invest and looks forward to further success under Ken’s leadership.”

Moto chairman Mike Tye said: “Tim has been an outstanding servant to the organisation during his long tenure. He has led from the front and built a high quality team, both in the motorway service area sites and the support centre. His presence will be greatly missed by all of us, but I am confident that the business will continue to prosper and grow under Ken’s direction with the support of the strong senior management and the teams right across the business.

“The shareholders of Moto, USS and CVC, on behalf of all the company’s stakeholders, want to thank Tim for his leadership. He has steered the business through a period of significant change and growth, and has led the introduction of new formats such as M&S and Greggs to the motorway sector. The improvements in range, quality and services now available to the travelling public is evidence of the impact Tim has had on Moto and the broader industry. We all wish Tim the very best for the future.”