Choice Hotels Names Dominic Dragisich as President and CEO

August 30, 2026

NORTH BETHESDA, Md. — Choice Hotels International has named Dominic Dragisich as president and CEO, effective Aug. 31. Dragisich has also been appointed to the board of directors.

Dragisich has served as interim CEO since May 20 after Patrick Pacious stepped down.

Working Choice Hotels for nearly 10 years, Dragisich most recently held the role of chief growth and strategy officer. His other roles at Choice have included chief financial officer, executive vice president of operations and chief global brand officer. According to the company, he has helped lead acquisitions and other initiatives aimed at expanding its portfolio.

“The board conducted a comprehensive search and evaluated a strong slate of internal and external candidates,” Chairman Stewart Bainum Jr. said. “Through that process, we concluded that Dom is the right leader to build on Choice Hotels’ recent momentum, execute our strategy and drive long-term value for our franchisees and shareholders.”

Before joining Choice Hotels, Dragisich served as chief financial officer at XO Communications. Earlier in his career, he held finance and operations positions at Marriott International, NII Holdings and Deloitte Consulting.

“I am honored by the board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue leading Choice Hotels,” Dragisich said.

Choice Hotels is a lodging franchisor with more than 7,500 hotels representing more than 650,000 rooms in 49 countries and territories. Its portfolio includes 22 brands across the full-service upper-upscale, midscale, extended-stay and economy segments.