CEO Patrick Pacious Steps Down at Choice Hotels: An Interim Shift for the Franchising Giant

Choice Hotels International has announced that longtime President and CEO Patrick Pacious is stepping down from his role after nearly nine years of leadership. The company, a dominant force in global hotel franchising, has appointed Chief Growth & Strategy Officer Dominic Dragisich as interim CEO while the board initiates a search for a permanent successor. Pacious is credited with guiding the company through a period of significant brand expansion and the implementation of an aggressive asset-light strategy, including major acquisitions and attempts to consolidate the mid-market segment. The sudden transition comes at a challenging time for the hospitality industry, which is currently managing the dual pressures of rising operating costs and increased competition from premium brands entering the mid-scale space. As the company navigates this leadership change, the focus will remain on maintaining franchisee stability and continuing the operational momentum established during the previous administration. Market analysts are closely watching the interim leadership’s next steps to gauge the company’s future strategic direction.