Choice Hotels International has appointed Jeff Lobb as SVP, general counsel & secretary, effective March 26. In this role, Lobb will oversee the company's global legal and public policy strategy and operations and serve as a member of Choice Hotels' Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to President and CEO Pat Pacious.
Lobb succeeds Simone Wu, who will retire later this spring. Lobb and Wu will work closely together over the coming weeks for a smooth transition.
“Simone has been a trusted leader and strategic partner to the Board, management team, and associates for more than 14 years—guiding Choice Hotels through many pivotal moments with integrity, discernment and deep care for our people. We are incredibly grateful for her contributions and leadership, and we wish her all the best as she begins her next chapter,” Pacious said in a statement. “Jeff is a leader whose deep legal expertise, steady judgment, and long history with Choice Hotels make him exceptionally well suited to serve as our next SVP, General Counsel & Secretary. For nearly two decades, Jeff has been a thoughtful advisor and valued partner across the organization, helping guide some of our most complex and strategic initiatives. I'm confident he will continue to be an outstanding steward of our values and business as we look ahead.”
Lobb joined Choice Hotels in 2006 and most recently was deputy general counsel. In that role, he oversaw the company's corporate, finance and transactions teams and played a central role in corporate governance and board administration. He has been a key legal partner on a range of strategic initiatives, including corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, investments, real estate ventures, and major commercial agreements. He was named an Outstanding In‑House Counsel by the Association of Corporate Counsel – National Capital Region. Prior to joining Choice Hotels, Lobb practiced law at several leading Washington, D.C.-based firms.
“I’m honored to step into this role and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Choice Hotels,” Lobb said. “This is a company with a strong culture, clear values, and a long history of doing what's right for its associates, franchisees, shareholders, and guests. I look forward to building on that foundation and supporting Choice Hotels' continued growth and success.”