The Board of Directors of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) has announced the appointment of Dominic Dragisich as President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, along with his election to the Board of Directors, effective August 31, 2026. The decision brings to a close an interim period that began on May 20, 2026, during which Dragisich was already leading one of the world’s largest hotel franchisors.
An appointment that confirms a transition already underway
According to the official announcement, the Board conducted an extensive search, evaluating a range of internal and external candidates. Stewart Bainum Jr., Chairman of the Board of Directors of Choice Hotels International, said that Dragisich has demonstrated consistent leadership over nearly a decade at the company, adding that since taking on the interim role he has advanced the company’s strategic priorities and instilled a performance-driven culture.
Bainum noted that the selection process identified Dragisich as the leader best positioned to build on the company’s recent momentum, execute its strategy and generate long-term value for franchisees and shareholders.
Nearly a decade of internal experience
Dominic Dragisich has held a series of increasingly senior roles at Choice Hotels over the past ten years, including Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President of Operations, Chief Global Brand Officer, and, most recently, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer, a position he still held at the company’s annual convention in May 2026. He has played a key role in steering several major acquisitions and strategic initiatives that strengthened the group’s brand portfolio and competitive position.
Before joining Choice Hotels, Dominic Dragisich served as Chief Financial Officer of XO Communications, where he helped drive a return to revenue growth and improved profitability. He has also held senior finance and operations positions at Marriott International, NII Holdings and Deloitte Consulting.
A growth strategy set to continue
In his statement, Dominic Dragisich said he was honoured by the Board’s confidence and noted that the company is entering this new chapter from a position of strength, with a skilled team, a higher-quality portfolio and a more diversified pipeline. He said he intends to maintain disciplined execution, accelerate growth and strengthen the company’s brands by building on recent commercial investments.
The appointment comes after Choice Hotels reported record profitability in 2025, driven by double-digit growth in international rooms and a strengthened position in the extended-stay segment, as detailed in Choice Hotels’ annual results and 2026 outlook. The group had also attempted a merger with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in late 2023, an effort that was ultimately abandoned after the target company declined the offer.
Choice Hotels: a global franchisor in continuous expansion
Choice Hotels International now counts more than 7,500 hotels and over 650,000 rooms across 49 countries and territories, spanning 22 brands across the full-service upper upscale, midscale, extended-stay and economy segments. Its Choice Privileges loyalty programme now has more than 75 million members worldwide. Dragisich’s appointment continues the company’s ongoing strategy of upscale expansion and international growth in recent years.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Choice Hotels International names Dominic Dragisich President & CEO
Appointment effective August 31, 2026; Dragisich also joins the Board of Directors
Served as Interim CEO since May 20, 2026, following nearly 10 years at Choice Hotels
Previously CFO, EVP of Operations, Chief Global Brand Officer, and Chief Growth & Strategy Officer
Choice Hotels operates over 7,500 hotels and 650,000+ rooms across 49 countries and territories
Loyalty program Choice Privileges now counts more than 75 million members worldwide
