New Choice Hotel CEO Takes The Helm

Choice Hotels International’s new CEO Patrick Pacious will take the reins four months ahead of schedule.

The current president and COO, Pacious will assume the role Sept. 12 rather than as previously scheduled, on Jan. 1. Outgoing CEO Steve Joyce accepted a position as CEO of Applebee’s and IHOP’s parent company DineEquity—where he served on the board for five years—effective Sept. 12. Joyce was going to become vice chairman of Choice’s board of directors; he will now step down from the board completely.

Under Joyce’s leadership, Choice saw increased RevPAR, enhanced its marketing and e-commerce initiatives, and saw the highest year-over-year growth in its Choice Rewards loyalty program.

“Business is strong. Our upper midscale and midscale brands – Comfort and Sleep Inn – are experiencing their strongest growth in recent history,” Pacious said. “We have solidified our place in the upscale market with Cambria Hotels and The Ascend Hotel Collection. Most importantly, we remain focused on embracing digital disruption and creating innovative technology solutions that improve our franchisees’ return on investment, expand our customer reach, and serve the broader industry.”

Pacious joined Choice Hotells in 2005, leading the company’s growth in the upscale segment with Cambria Hotels and The Ascend Hotel Collection, as well as transformation of the Comfort Brand. He was appointed chief operating officer in 2014 and additionally became president in May 2016.