Choice Hotels International has announced a leadership transition under which Patrick Pacious will step down as president and chief executive officer. Pacious will become an advisor to the company through Aug. 31 to support the transition. The company's board of directors has appointed Dominic Dragisich, chief growth and strategy officer, as interim chief executive officer, effective May 20.
In a statement, the board said it will conduct a “comprehensive search” in partnership with a “leading executive search firm” to identify the company's next CEO and “will consider all qualified internal and external candidates.”
Pacious has been with Choice for nearly 21 years, and has been president and CEO since 2017 when he took over from Steve Joyce. 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 in 2017 and Radisson Hotels Americas in 2022, established a direct franchising international platform, advanced technology and digital initiatives and more than doubled the company's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Leadership
Before joining Choice, Pacious became familiar with the company through his work as a consultant with Arthur Andersen Business Consulting, where he worked with several major hospitality companies as clients. “The very first project I did was figuring out how to help the company sell more franchise agreements and get those franchise agreements from an executed contract to an open hotel,” he told Hotel Management in 2017.
When Pacious left Andersen to join Choice, he was attracted to the company because of its franchising business model. “I love the fact that small business owners can start out with one hotel and grow their business over time,” he said at the time. “A lot of our franchisees are family-owned businesses and are passing that business down to the next generation. I love the sort of small-business aspect that we get to work with as part of a larger company.”
In 2022, Pacious oversaw Choice's acquisition of Radisson Hotel Group Americas for approximately $675 million, adding nine brands to its portfolio. At the time, Pacious said that the transaction “brings together two highly complementary businesses, enhancing our guest offerings in the core upper-midscale hospitality segments, while extending our reach into the upper upscale and upscale full-service segments and in higher revenue geographic markets.”
The following year, Choice sought to acquire Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which led to a lengthy dispute as each company encouraged its shareholders to support or reject the bid, respectively. When Choice decided not to move forward with the bid, the company said it would “continue focusing on its standalone strategy, which the company is confident will create significant long-term value for its stockholders and franchisees.”
In the statement announcing his departure, Pacious said that leading Choice Hotels has been the “greatest privilege” of his career. "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 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 is a stronger company today with a solid operational and financial foundation, a talented leadership team and significant long-term growth potential,” Bainum continued. “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."
Interim CEO
Before becoming chief growth and strategy officer, Dragisich previously was EVP, 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.
The Industry Responds
Several hospitality insiders shared their thoughts on the news and paid tribute to Pacious' tenure.
“I have always viewed Pat Pacious as one of the more strategic thinkers in the franchise hotel space,” said Jan Gautam, president and CEO of third-party management company IHRMC and founder of LendingCon. “During his tenure, Choice Hotels evolved from being seen primarily as a midscale player into a company willing to make bold moves—whether through the Radisson Americas acquisition, the growth of extended stay, or pursuing scale in a consolidating industry.
“What stands out most is that he pushed the organization to think bigger while still maintaining a strong focus on owner economics and franchise relationships,” Gautam continued. “His departure definitely marks the end of a significant chapter for Choice. He will be remembered in the industry. I was also fortunate to hear him speak at the last conference, and his perspective on the future of franchising and hotel growth left a strong impression on me.”
Others highlighted Pacious' vision for Choice over the past several years.
“Pat has done an extraordinary job growing Choice Hotels over the years and helping evolve the company into an even stronger and more diversified platform,” said Nina Patel, principal and CEO of owner and operator Steel Hospitality.“Recently, I had the opportunity to spend time with Pat and his team at the Choice Developers event, and his vision for the future of Choice was very clear and impressive. From an owner's perspective, we’ve seen a real focus on growth and innovation under his leadership, especially through strategic moves like the acquisition of WoodSpring Suites, which helped elevate Choice’s extended-stay presence, and the Radisson Hotels Americas acquisition, which expanded the company’s reach and growth opportunities. While leadership changes are always important moments for a company, Choice has a strong team in place and a solid direction moving forward. I wish Patrick all the best in his next chapter and look forward to seeing the continued success of the company.”
“We are grateful for Pat’s positive impact on our crew at ARK and our industry,” said Azim Saju, CEO of ARK Holdings. “Over the years Pat has emphasized the importance of listening and accountability—military disciplines he turned into corporate leadership expectations that have allowed for strategic shifts, gains and growth within the franchise and franchising. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Choice Hotels and extend our best wishes to Dom in this new role.”
In connection with the day's announcement, the company is reaffirming its full-year 2026 financial outlook provided in the company's first-quarter 2026 earnings results.