Dominic Dragisich Interim CEO of Choice Hotels as Pacious Steps Down
Choice Hotels International appoints Dominic Dragisich as Interim CEO after Patrick Pacious steps down following a 21-year tenure.
Punita Thakur 
Choice Hotels International has announced a leadership transition at the top of the company. Patrick Pacious has stepped down as President and Chief Executive Officer. Dominic Dragisich, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer effective May 20, 2026.
Pacious will remain with the company as an advisor through August 31, 2026 to support the handover. The board has launched a full executive search in partnership with a leading search firm and will consider both internal and external candidates.
Choice Hotels CEO Transition After 21 Years of Leadership
Pacious joined Choice Hotels nearly 21 years ago. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer since 2017.
During his time as CEO, Choice Hotels expanded its portfolio from 11 to 22 brands. The company entered the upscale and extended stay segments through the acquisitions of WoodSpring Suites and Radisson Hotels Americas.
The group also established a high growth direct franchising international platform under his tenure. Adjusted EBITDA more than doubled across the period.
"Leading Choice Hotels has been the greatest privilege of my career. Having laid the foundation for a customer-centric, AI-enabled business, now is the right time for a new leader to guide Choice Hotels into its next phase of growth."
— Patrick Pacious, outgoing President and CEO, Choice Hotels International
Dominic Dragisich Steps Into the Interim CEO Role
Dominic Dragisich has been with Choice Hotels through much of its recent strategic transformation. He served as Chief Financial Officer from 2017 to 2023 before moving into the role of EVP, Operations and Chief Global Brand Officer.
He most recently served as Chief Growth and Strategy Officer. In that position he oversaw transformative acquisitions and major growth initiatives across the company.
"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."
— Dominic Dragisich, Interim CEO, Choice Hotels International
Board Chairman Addresses the 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."
— Stewart W. Bainum Jr., Chairman of the Board, Choice Hotels International
Bainum confirmed the board has full confidence in Dragisich's leadership. The company will continue executing on its strategic priorities while the CEO search runs its course.
Full Year 2026 Financial Outlook Reaffirmed
Choice Hotels reaffirmed its full year 2026 financial outlook alongside the leadership announcement. The company had reported its first quarter 2026 earnings results on April 30, 2026.
The company said it remains focused on franchisee success and long-term shareholder value during the transition period.
About Choice Hotels International
Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) operates more than 7,500 hotels representing over 650,000 rooms across 51 countries and territories. The company's 22 brands span upper upscale, midscale, extended stay and economy segments.
Its award-winning Choice Privileges loyalty programme offers members reward nights and personalised perks through a co-brand credit card partnership.
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