ROCKVILLE, Md. — Choice Hotels International, Inc. has revealed key executive appointments that position the company for continued future growth following the acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas and the successful integration of its nine brands onto Choice’s central reservation system.
As part of an evolution to a more flexible and agile organizational structure, Dominic Dragisich, who joined the company as CFO in 2017, will be promoted to executive VP of Operations and Chief Global Brand Officer. Dragisich will oversee all of Choice’s brand segments, brand development, segment services and corporate development. During his tenure as CFO, he enhanced and streamlined the company’s budgeting, forecasting and capital-allocation processes and led several major initiatives to support the company’s continued growth. Recently, he was instrumental in the acquisition of the Radisson Americas business and will continue to lead corporate-development efforts.
“Dominic is a talented leader who excelled as CFO and has a deep understanding of the operational drivers of our business,” says Patrick Pacious, president and CEO, Choice Hotels International. “I’m confident he will help drive our growth and performance to the next level in this important new role.”
Additionally, Scott Oaksmith will be promoted from senior VP and deputy CFO to CFO. In this role, he will lead Choice’s overall financial strategy and corporate-growth initiatives to drive ongoing expansion across major markets and maximize shareholder value. A more than 20-year veteran with Choice, Oaksmith has worked closely with key stakeholders to identify opportunities to growth the company’s core business and adjacent lines of business, streamlined financial operations, enhanced capital-allocation strategies and utilized advanced analytics to drive strategic and operating decisions in support of the company’s goals.
“Scott has been an integral part of Choice’s success for over two decades,” says Pacious. “He’s the ideal person to lead our financial strategy during this crucial time for the company and well into the future.”
Furthermore, Raul Ramirez will be promoted from Chief Strategy and International Operations Officer to Chief Segment and International Operations Officer, with responsibility for Choice’s upscale, extended stay and core midscale and economy brands, as well as the International Division. Since he joined Choice in 2017, Ramirez has led the integration of the Radisson Americas brands and WoodSpring Suites, launched an enterprise strategic planning process to help define and support long-term business and financial goals and spearheaded the transformation and expansion of the company’s International Division.
“Raul is a transformational leader who has his finger on the pulse of our franchisees,” says Pacious. “I can’t think of a better, more qualified individual for this role as we work to grow our brands and expand our international footprint.”
Lastly, Anna Scozzafava will be promoted from senior VP and general manager, Extended Stay Brands to Chief Strategy Officer and senior VP, Technology. She will oversee Choice’s corporate strategy, business analytics and technology functions. Scozzafava has been with the company since 2012 and most recently, drove the growth and expansion of Choice’s extended-stay portfolio, helping to establish the company as a clear leader in the fast-growing, high-performing segment.
“Anna’s leadership is a big part of the reason Choice is a leader in extended stay,” says Pacious. “I’m excited to now have her lead the development of strategies to propel the entire company forward.”
