Premier Inn owner Whitbread strengthens board with female digital experts

Whitbread has strengthened its board with two digital-focused female high fliers - Adidas alum Fumbi Chima and founding MD of digital giant comparethemarket.com, Kal Atwal.

The Premier Inn owner said Chima is “adept at digital transformation strategy in high-growth environments”, and highlighted Atwal’s track record of driving the strategic growth and scaling of brands.

This month Atwal also joined the Board of WH Smith, as listed giants seek expertise in navigating in the new pandemic-era hyper-online world.

The FTSE 100 group’s chair, Adam Crozier, said that as Whitbread “faces into the next phase of its growth”, the two non-executive directors will “bring an invaluable mix of skills… including in the technology sector, in digital transformation, in marketing and general management”.

Last month WHS Smith chairman, Henry Staunton, said that Atwal’s “marketing and digital expertise and entrepreneurial approach to business” would make her a valuable asset.

Chima will become a member of Whitbread's Audit Committee, while Atwal will join the Remuneration Committee. Both will take up the roles from March 1.