Choice Hotels CEO Resigns
NORTH BETHESDA, MD – Choice Hotels International, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, today announced that Patrick Pacious will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer after nine years. Pacious will serve as an advisor to the Company through August 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.
No reason was given for Pacious’ decision to step down. In connection with the announcement, the Company is reaffirming its full-year 2026 financial outlook provided in the Company’s first quarter 2026 earnings results reported on April 30, 2026.
The Board is retaining an executive search firm to identify the Company’s next Chief Executive Officer and plans to 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.
“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.”
Choice Hotels International is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world, with over 7,500 hotels, representing more than 650,000 rooms, in 51 countries and territories.
