Choice Hotels Names Dominic Dragisich Permanent President and CEO

Choice Hotels International has officially appointed Dominic Dragisich as its permanent president and chief executive officer and named him to the company's Board of Directors, effective August 31, 2026 [2]. Dragisich previously held the interim chief executive role starting May 20, 2026, following nearly a decade in executive roles across the North Bethesda-based hotel group [2].

Why did the Choice Hotels board select Dominic Dragisich?

The Choice Hotels Board of Directors selected Dragisich after running an executive search evaluating both internal and external contenders [2]. According to reporting from Lodging Magazine, board chairman Stewart Bainum Jr. explained that the group sought an executive capable of maintaining operating momentum, executing corporate plans, and driving returns for franchisees and shareholders [2].

Dragisich took over interim responsibilities on May 20, 2026 [2]. Bainum noted that during that temporary period, Dragisich advanced existing priorities while cultivating a performance-driven company culture [2]. His formal appointment as president, CEO, and director took effect on August 31, 2026 [2].

What executive experience does Dragisich bring to the CEO post?

Dragisich brings nearly a decade of direct operational and financial leadership inside Choice Hotels [2]. During his tenure, he served as chief financial officer, executive vice president of operations and chief global brand officer, and chief growth and strategy officer [2]. In those capacities, he guided major corporate acquisitions and portfolio expansions designed to support franchisee operations [2].

Before arriving at Choice Hotels, Dragisich worked outside lodging as chief financial officer of XO Communications [2]. He also accumulated finance and operations background at Marriott International, NII Holdings, and Deloitte Consulting, as reported by Lodging Magazine [2].

What are the immediate priorities for Choice Hotels under Dragisich?

Dragisich outlined corporate priorities focused on disciplined execution, expanding the hotel network, and strengthening property brands through commercial investments [2]. He noted that the company enters this phase with a diversified development pipeline intended to drive franchisee profitability and guest performance [2].

According to Lodging Magazine's account of executive transitions, Dragisich emphasized maintaining commercial support systems that help property owners succeed [2]. His leadership transition aligns with ongoing operational realignments occurring across global franchise networks [1].

How does the Choice Hotels appointment fit wider industry leadership shifts?

The Choice Hotels confirmation arrives alongside an extensive wave of executive, corporate, and property-level hires across major hospitality organizations [1]. Operators, third-party management firms, and branded chains have filled top-tier roles across marketing, asset oversight, and regional operations [1].

For instance, Crescent Hotels & Resorts promoted Kristi Kastrounis to senior vice president of digital marketing, overseeing initiatives across more than 120 properties [1]. Meanwhile, Rosewood Hotel Group hired Kenny Toy as senior vice president, commercial, global, following his role at Accenture Song, and Kohler Hospitality brought in former AHLA chair Ron Vlasic as vice president of lodging to direct flagship properties [1].

Which general managers and culinary leads took over key properties?

Major brands filled general manager vacancies at large-scale urban and leisure assets [1]. Marriott appointed Mark Eberwein general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE after his term at SLS Beverly Hills [1]. Hilton named Sean Clancy general manager of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, David Lurie general manager of Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Stacy Smith general manager of One Washington Circle DC, Tapestry Collection by Hilton [1]. Four Seasons appointed Pierre Kermanac’h general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta and Macall Newman resort manager at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita [1].

Property food, beverage, and corporate commercial teams also completed major additions [1]. The Kimpton Claret Hotel brought in Marley Brown as director of food & beverage, The St. Regis Atlanta hired Rohit Suvarna as director of beverage, and Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort hired Frank Radosti as corporate executive chef [1]. Rio Las Vegas added Ashley Lowe as senior vice president of sales and Jennifer Little as director of catering and convention services [1]. In hotel technology and advisory moves, Enseo partnered with former Remington Hospitality CTO Richard Tudgay, and Abode Worldwide named former Skift and Mews researcher Wouter Geerts as head of market intelligence and research [1].