Dominic Dragisich Appointed President and CEO of Choice Hotels International, Charting a Course for Future Growth

NORTH BETHESDA, Md. – August 30, 2026 – In a significant leadership transition, Choice Hotels International today announced the appointment of Dominic Dragisich as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 31, 2026. Dragisich, who has been serving as interim CEO since May 20, has also been appointed to the company’s esteemed Board of Directors. This strategic decision by the Board signals a commitment to continuity and leveraging Dragisich’s deep understanding of the company’s operations and growth trajectory.

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Dragisich’s ascension to the top leadership role comes after a distinguished tenure at Choice Hotels, spanning nearly a decade. During his time with the global lodging franchisor, he has held a series of pivotal positions, including Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President of Operations, and Chief Global Brand Officer. In these capacities, he has been instrumental in driving the company’s expansion efforts, spearheading crucial acquisitions and championing strategic initiatives designed to broaden Choice Hotels’ diverse brand portfolio.

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The appointment concludes a thorough and comprehensive selection process undertaken by the Board of Directors. Chairman Stewart Bainum Jr. expressed strong confidence in Dragisich’s leadership capabilities. "The board conducted a comprehensive search and evaluated a strong slate of internal and external candidates," Bainum Jr. stated. "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." This endorsement underscores Dragisich’s proven track record and his alignment with the company’s forward-looking vision.

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A Proven Leader with a Deep Understanding of Choice Hotels

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Dominic Dragisich’s journey within Choice Hotels has been marked by a consistent ability to drive strategic initiatives and foster growth across various facets of the business. His most recent role as Chief Growth and Strategy Officer positioned him at the forefront of identifying and executing opportunities that have significantly enhanced the company’s market presence and profitability. Prior to this, his tenure as Chief Financial Officer provided him with an intimate understanding of the company’s financial health and strategic resource allocation, enabling him to make informed decisions that have supported sustainable growth.

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His experience as Executive Vice President of Operations has given him invaluable insights into the day-to-day realities of hotel management and franchise operations, fostering a deep appreciation for the needs of their extensive franchisee network. Furthermore, as Chief Global Brand Officer, Dragisich has played a crucial role in shaping and elevating the distinct identities of Choice Hotels’ diverse portfolio of brands, ensuring their continued relevance and appeal to a wide range of travelers.

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Chronology of Leadership and Strategic Contributions

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Dominic Dragisich’s leadership at Choice Hotels has been characterized by a steady progression through key executive roles, each contributing to his comprehensive understanding of the company’s multifaceted operations. His journey reflects a strategic development aimed at preparing him for the ultimate leadership position.

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  Prior to Choice Hotels: Dragisich honed his financial and operational expertise in various high-level positions. He served as Chief Financial Officer at XO Communications, where he managed the financial operations of a significant telecommunications provider. Earlier in his career, he held influential finance and operations roles at industry giants such as Marriott International, NII Holdings, and Deloitte Consulting. These experiences provided him with a robust foundation in corporate finance, strategic planning, and operational efficiency, skills that would prove invaluable at Choice Hotels.

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  Joining Choice Hotels: Dragisich joined Choice Hotels International nearly a decade ago, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach. His initial roles allowed him to immerse himself in the company’s unique business model and its strategic objectives.

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  Chief Financial Officer: In this critical role, Dragisich was responsible for overseeing the financial health of the company. He managed financial planning and analysis, treasury, investor relations, and accounting, ensuring fiscal responsibility and providing the financial framework for strategic decision-making.

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  Executive Vice President of Operations: This position gave Dragisich direct oversight of the operational aspects of Choice Hotels’ vast network. He worked closely with franchisees to optimize hotel performance, implement best practices, and ensure a consistent guest experience across all properties.

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  Chief Global Brand Officer: In this capacity, Dragisich was instrumental in developing and executing brand strategies for Choice Hotels’ numerous brands. He focused on enhancing brand equity, driving guest loyalty, and ensuring that each brand resonated with its target audience in diverse markets.

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  Chief Growth and Strategy Officer: This most recent role before his interim CEO appointment saw Dragisich lead the charge in identifying and pursuing strategic growth opportunities. He was instrumental in evaluating potential acquisitions, forging strategic partnerships, and developing long-term strategic plans to expand Choice Hotels’ footprint and market share.

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  Interim CEO (May 20, 2026 – August 30, 2026): Following the departure of Patrick Pacious, Dragisich stepped into the role of interim CEO, providing immediate leadership and stability. During this period, he successfully navigated the company through a critical transition, demonstrating his ability to lead at the highest level and maintain operational continuity.

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• President and CEO (Effective August 31, 2026): The culmination of his career at Choice Hotels, Dragisich now assumes the permanent role of President and CEO, tasked with guiding the company into its next chapter of growth and innovation.

Supporting Data: A Foundation for Growth and Franchisee Success

Choice Hotels International’s extensive global presence and diverse brand portfolio serve as a testament to its strategic vision and operational strength. Under Dragisich’s leadership, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on these inherent advantages and further solidify its standing in the competitive hospitality industry.

• Global Footprint: Choice Hotels boasts a remarkable global reach, with more than 7,500 hotels operating across 49 countries and territories. This extensive network translates to over 650,000 rooms available to travelers worldwide, offering a wide spectrum of lodging options to suit various needs and budgets.

• Diverse Brand Portfolio: The company’s strength lies in its strategically curated portfolio of 22 distinct brands. These brands span the entire hospitality spectrum, from the full-service, upper-upscale segment to midscale, extended-stay, and economy accommodations. This multi-brand strategy allows Choice Hotels to cater to a broad customer base and effectively serve diverse market segments, mitigating risks and maximizing revenue opportunities. Brands under the Choice Hotels umbrella include well-recognized names such as Comfort, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Hotels, and Everhome Suites, among others.

• Franchisee-Centric Model: At its core, Choice Hotels operates on a robust franchise model. This approach empowers independent hotel owners to leverage the brand recognition, operational support, and marketing power of Choice Hotels while maintaining their entrepreneurial spirit. The company’s success is intrinsically linked to the success of its franchisees, and Dragisich’s leadership has consistently emphasized this symbiotic relationship. Initiatives aimed at providing enhanced support, training, and technology to franchisees are crucial for maintaining high standards and driving consistent performance across the portfolio.

• Strategic Acquisitions and Development: Dragisich’s past contributions have been pivotal in driving the company’s growth through strategic acquisitions and development. These efforts have been aimed at expanding the portfolio into new markets, acquiring brands that complement existing offerings, and investing in properties that align with evolving consumer preferences. For example, the expansion of brands like Cambria Hotels, which targets the upscale market, and Everhome Suites, a burgeoning extended-stay brand, showcases a proactive approach to market diversification.

• Financial Strength: As a publicly traded company, Choice Hotels International maintains a strong financial standing, underpinned by consistent revenue generation and disciplined cost management. Dragisich’s background as CFO ensures a continued focus on financial prudence, strategic investment, and delivering value to shareholders. The company’s financial performance is a key indicator of its ability to reinvest in its brands, support its franchisees, and navigate economic fluctuations.

Official Responses: Confidence in Future Leadership

The announcement of Dominic Dragisich’s appointment has been met with enthusiastic endorsements from key stakeholders, highlighting a unified vision for the future of Choice Hotels International.

Stewart Bainum Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors: "The board conducted a comprehensive search and evaluated a strong slate of internal and external candidates," stated Chairman Stewart Bainum Jr. "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. His deep understanding of our business, his proven leadership abilities, and his passion for our brands make him the ideal choice to lead Choice Hotels into its next chapter of success." Bainum Jr.’s remarks emphasize the thoroughness of the selection process and the board’s unwavering confidence in Dragisich’s capacity to lead the company forward.

Dominic Dragisich, President and CEO: Reflecting on his appointment, Dragisich expressed his gratitude and commitment. "I am honored by the board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue leading Choice Hotels," he said. "I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished, and I am excited to work with our dedicated associates and franchisees to further strengthen our brands, drive innovation, and deliver exceptional value to our guests and stakeholders. We have a clear strategy in place, and I am eager to execute it with focus and determination." Dragisich’s statement underscores his dedication to the company’s mission and his collaborative approach to leadership.

Industry Analysts and Franchisee Representatives: While not directly quoted in the initial announcement, industry analysts have widely acknowledged Dragisich’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the hospitality sector. His prior roles have positioned him to be highly attuned to the needs of franchisees, a crucial element for a franchisor like Choice Hotels. Franchisees are expected to view his appointment positively, anticipating a continued focus on initiatives that support their profitability and operational efficiency. The stability and continuity offered by an internal promotion to CEO are often favored within franchise systems, as it signals a predictable and experienced hand at the helm.

Implications for the Future of Choice Hotels International

Dominic Dragisich’s permanent appointment as President and CEO of Choice Hotels International carries significant implications for the company’s future trajectory, promising a continuation of its strategic growth while embracing innovation and adapting to evolving market dynamics.

• Accelerated Growth and Expansion: With Dragisich’s background as Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, a primary implication is the continued emphasis on expanding Choice Hotels’ global footprint and brand portfolio. This will likely involve further strategic acquisitions, development of new brands in emerging market segments (such as the continued growth of upscale and extended-stay offerings), and aggressive international expansion. His leadership is expected to drive a proactive approach to identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities.

• Strengthened Franchisee Relationships: Given Choice Hotels’ franchise-centric business model, Dragisich’s deep operational experience and tenure within the company are expected to foster even stronger relationships with franchisees. He understands the challenges and opportunities faced by hotel owners and will likely prioritize initiatives that enhance franchisee profitability, provide robust support systems, and ensure operational excellence across the network. This includes investments in technology, training, and marketing that directly benefit franchise partners.

• Innovation and Technology Adoption: The hospitality industry is in a constant state of evolution, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations. Dragisich’s strategic vision is expected to embrace innovation, particularly in areas such as guest experience technology, data analytics for personalized offerings, and sustainable operational practices. His leadership will likely steer Choice Hotels towards adopting cutting-edge solutions to maintain a competitive edge and meet the demands of modern travelers.

• Focus on Brand Differentiation and Value Proposition: With 22 distinct brands, a key implication is the continued focus on strengthening the unique value proposition of each brand within the Choice Hotels portfolio. Dragisich’s experience as Chief Global Brand Officer suggests a commitment to ensuring each brand resonates with its target audience, offering clear differentiation and a compelling reason for guests to choose Choice Hotels properties. This will involve ongoing investment in brand marketing, product development, and guest service standards.

• Navigating Market Challenges: The global economic landscape can present both opportunities and challenges for the hospitality sector. Dragisich’s experience, particularly his financial acumen, positions him to effectively navigate economic headwinds, manage operational costs, and strategically deploy capital to ensure the company’s resilience and long-term stability. His leadership will be crucial in adapting to shifts in travel trends, geopolitical events, and evolving consumer spending habits.

• Shareholder Value Creation: As emphasized by Chairman Bainum Jr., a core objective of Dragisich’s leadership will be to drive long-term value for shareholders. This will be achieved through a combination of revenue growth, operational efficiencies, strategic investments, and disciplined financial management. His track record suggests a commitment to delivering sustainable financial performance and enhancing shareholder returns.

In conclusion, Dominic Dragisich’s appointment as President and CEO marks a pivotal moment for Choice Hotels International. His extensive experience, strategic foresight, and deep understanding of the company’s operations and its franchise partners position him as the ideal leader to guide Choice Hotels through its next phase of growth, innovation, and sustained success in the dynamic global hospitality market.