Choice Hotels International has appointed Dominic Dragisich as President and Chief Executive Officer and elected him to the company’s Board of Directors, completing a leadership transition that began when he was named Interim CEO in May 2026. The appointment is effective August 31, 2026.
Dragisich has spent nearly a decade at Choice Hotels and has held a series of senior leadership positions spanning finance, operations, brand management, growth and corporate strategy.
His prior roles include Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief Global Brand Officer, and Chief Growth and Strategy Officer.
That broad operating background gives Dragisich experience across many of the functions that will determine Choice Hotels’ next phase, including portfolio strategy, franchisee economics, acquisitions, commercial investments and brand positioning.
Choice Hotels said Dragisich has played a significant role in its growth over the past several years, including helping lead major acquisitions and strategic initiatives that expanded the company’s portfolio and strengthened its competitive position.
He had served as Interim CEO since May 20.
The Board conducted a comprehensive search that considered both internal and external candidates before selecting Dragisich for the permanent role.
Chairman Stewart Bainum Jr. pointed to Dragisich’s leadership during the interim period, his familiarity with the organization and his ability to execute the company’s existing strategy as important factors in the decision.
Dragisich takes over a franchising platform with more than 7,500 hotels and over 650,000 rooms across 49 countries and territories.
Choice Hotels operates 22 brands spanning upper upscale, midscale, extended-stay and economy lodging.
The company’s asset-light franchising model places significant importance on franchisee returns, hotel development, brand strength and the performance of its reservation, loyalty and commercial platforms.
Dragisich indicated that those areas will remain central to his agenda.
He highlighted Choice Hotels’ higher-quality portfolio, increasingly accretive and diversified development pipeline and continued opportunities to capitalize on investments in its commercial infrastructure.
The company is also focused on accelerating growth, strengthening its brands, and helping franchisees improve performance.
Before joining Choice Hotels, Dragisich served as Chief Financial Officer of XO Communications, where he helped return the company to revenue growth and increase profitability.
Earlier in his career, he held senior finance and operational roles at Marriott International, NII Holdings and Deloitte Consulting.
His previous Marriott experience also gives him direct familiarity with the lodging industry’s economics and operating dynamics.
The permanent appointment provides continuity for Choice Hotels as the company balances portfolio expansion, hotel development, and franchisee support with broader lodging-sector challenges, including changing travel demand, interest rates, labor availability, and technology investment.
KEY QUOTES:
“The Board conducted a comprehensive search and evaluated a strong slate of internal and external candidates. 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.”
Stewart Bainum Jr., Chairman Of The Board Of Directors At Choice Hotels International
“I am honored by the Board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue leading Choice Hotels. With a talented team, a higher-quality portfolio, a more accretive and diverse pipeline, and significant opportunities ahead, we are entering this next chapter from a position of strength.”
Dominic Dragisich, President And Chief Executive Officer Of Choice Hotels International
