Choice Hotels has announced a leadership transition under which president and CEO Patrick Pacious will step down from his position. Choice’s board of directors has appointed Dominic Dragisich, current chief growth & strategy officer, as interim CEO, effective immediately. Pacious will serve as an advisor to the company through August 31, 2026, to support the transition.
Over the course of his nearly 21-year tenure with Choice, including as president and CEO since 2017, Pacious has led a period of significant growth and transformation for the company. Under his leadership, Choice 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 direct franchising international platform and advanced franchisee-focused technology and digital initiatives, among other achievements.
“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.”
Before becoming chief growth & strategy officer, Dominic Dragisich previously served as EVP, operations and chief global brand officer and as Choice’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.
“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,” added Bainum.
“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.
Choice’s board will conduct a comprehensive search in partnership with an executive search firm for its new CEO and has stated that it will consider all qualified internal and external candidates.