Choice Hotels International Inc. (NYSE: CHH) announced that Patrick Pacious will step down as president and chief executive officer, with Chief Growth & Strategy Officer Dominic Dragisich taking over as interim CEO effective May 20, 2026.

Pacious will serve as an advisor to the company through August 31, 2026, to support the transition. The board of directors will conduct a search with an executive search firm to identify the next permanent CEO, considering both internal and external candidates.

Pacious led Choice Hotels for nearly 21 years, including as president and CEO since 2017. During his tenure, the company expanded from 11 to 22 brands and grew its presence in upscale and extended-stay segments through acquisitions of WoodSpring Suites and Radisson Hotels Americas. The company also established an international franchising platform and more than doubled adjusted EBITDA under his leadership.

"Leading Choice Hotels has been the greatest privilege of my career," Pacious said in the announcement. "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."

Dragisich previously served as the company's chief financial officer from 2017 to 2023 and as executive vice president of operations and chief global brand officer. He has overseen acquisitions and growth initiatives during the company's strategic evolution.

Stewart W. Bainum Jr., chairman of the board, said the company has become "more resilient and diversified" under Pacious's leadership through strategic acquisitions, portfolio growth and international expansion.

Choice Hotels reaffirmed its full-year 2026 financial outlook provided in first quarter earnings results reported April 30, 2026. The company operates over 7,500 hotels with more than 650,000 rooms across 51 countries and territories.