NORTH BETHESDA, Maryland—Choice Hotels International announced a leadership transition under which Patrick Pacious will step down as president and chief executive officer. Pacious will serve as an advisor to the company through Aug. 31, 2026, to support the transition. The company’s board of directors has appointed Dominic Dragisich, chief growth & strategy officer, as interim chief executive officer, effective May 20, 2026.
The board will conduct a comprehensive search in partnership with a leading executive search firm to identify the company’s next chief executive officer and will consider all qualified internal and external candidates.
Over the course of his nearly 21-year tenure with Choice Hotels, including as president and chief executive officer since 2017, Pacious has led a period of significant growth and transformation for the Company. Under his leadership, Choice Hotels expanded its portfolio from 11 to 22 brands, grew its presence in the upscale and extended-stay segments through the acquisitions of WoodSpring Suites and Radisson Hotels Americas, established a high-growth direct franchising international platform, advanced franchisee-focused technology and digital initiatives, and more than doubled adjusted EBITDA.
Statements From Leadership
“Leading Choice Hotels has been the greatest privilege of my career,” said Pacious. “Together, we have built a higher-quality portfolio of hotels, a more accretive, diverse pipeline, and a capital-light model that enables the Company to capture significant opportunities ahead. Having laid the foundation for a customer-centric, AI-enabled business, in alignment with our long-term strategic plan, now is the right time for a new leader to guide Choice Hotels into its next phase of growth. I look forward to partnering with the Board, Dom, and the entire leadership team to facilitate a smooth transition.”
“Pat’s leadership has helped define a new era for Choice Hotels. Through strategic acquisitions, disciplined portfolio growth, international expansion, and a relentless focus on franchisee success, Choice has become a more resilient and diversified company,” said Stewart W. Bainum, Jr., chairman of the Board of Directors for Choice Hotels International. “On behalf of the Board, the Bainum family and other shareholders, we thank Pat for his leadership, vision, and many contributions.”
Bainum added, “Choice Hotels is a stronger Company today with a solid operational and financial foundation, a talented leadership team and significant long-term growth potential. The Board has full confidence in Dom’s leadership and the Company’s continued momentum as we conduct a comprehensive search process for Choice’s next CEO.”
Before becoming Chief Growth & Strategy Officer, Dragisich previously served as executive vice president, operations and chief global brand officer, and as the company’s chief financial officer from 2017 to 2023. Dragisich has helped lead the Company’s strategic evolution, overseeing transformative acquisitions and other major growth initiatives to enhance long-term value.
“I am honored to step into the role of Interim CEO and look forward to building on the Company’s strong foundation. We remain focused on delivering long-term value for our franchisees and shareholders and creating great experiences for our guests and associates,” said Dragisich.
