Whitbread shareholders rejected a proposal to appoint Corvex Management partner James Gemmel to the British hotel group’s board Monday, leaving the company to continue its five-year plan under the existing board.
Excluding votes cast by Corvex shareholders, 91% opposed the resolution, The Independent reported. Corvex held a 6.4% stake in Whitbread, which owns Premier Inn, according to the outlet.
Whitbread Chair Christine Hodgson said the result suggested shareholders favored the company’s current direction. Whitbread’s five-year plan includes £250 million in cost savings and a reduction of more than £1 billion in capital spending.
Earlier in 2026, Whitbread announced a restructuring plan that would reduce its workforce by about 3,800 roles, The Independent reported. EconoTimes previously covered the board’s opposition to Gemmel’s nomination and Corvex’s campaign for a seat.
