Choice Hotels CEO Patrick Pacious Steps Down
May 29, 2026
NORTH BETHESDA, Md. — Choice Hotels International Inc. recently announced that Patrick Pacious has stepped down as president and CEO. Dominic Dragisich, chief growth and strategy officer, has been appointed as interim CEO.
Pacious will serve as an adviser to the company through Aug. 31 to support the transition, according to Choice Hotels. The company’s board of directors plans to conduct a search with an executive search firm and will consider internal and external candidates.
Choice Hotels also reaffirmed its full-year 2026 financial outlook, which was provided with the company’s first-quarter earnings results reported April 30.
Pacious spent nearly 21 years with Choice Hotels and had served as president and CEO since 2017. During his tenure, the company 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 and expanded its international direct franchising platform.
“Leading Choice Hotels has been the greatest privilege of my career,” Pacious said. “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.”
Stewart W. Bainum Jr., chairman of the board of directors for Choice Hotels International, said Pacious helped lead a period of strategic acquisitions, portfolio growth, international expansion and franchisee-focused initiatives.
“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,” Bainum said. “We thank Pat for his leadership, vision, and many contributions.”
Bainum said the board has confidence in Dragisich as the company searches for its next CEO.
“Choice Hotels is a stronger company today with a solid operational and financial foundation, a talented leadership team and significant long-term growth potential,” Bainum said. “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.”
Dragisich previously served as executive vice president of operations and chief global brand officer and as chief financial officer from 2017 to 2023. Choice Hotels said he has helped lead the company’s strategic evolution, including acquisitions and growth initiatives.
“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,” Dragisich said in a statement.
Choice Hotels International, based in North Bethesda, Md., has brands across multiple hotel segments, with more than 7,500 hotels, representing more than 650,000 rooms, in 51 countries and territories.
