The leadership reorganisation follows Choice’s acquisition of Radisson Hotels Americas and the successful integration of its nine brands.
Brand overseer
As part of an evolution to a more flexible and agile organisational structure, Dominic Dragisich, who joined the company as chief financial officer in 2017, will be promoted to executive vice president, operations and chief global brand officer. He will oversee all of Choice’s brand segments, brand development, segment services, and corporate development.
During his tenure as CFO, Dragisich successfully 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.
President and CEO Patrick Pacious said: “Dominic is a talented leader who excelled as CFO and has a deep understanding of the operational drivers of our business. I’m confident he will help drive our growth and performance to the next level in this important new role.”
International lead
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.
Pacious commented: “Raul is a transformational leader who has his finger on the pulse of our franchisees. 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.”
Strategy chief
Plus Anna Scozzafava is being promoted from senior vice president and general manager, extended stay brands to chief strategy officer and senior vice president, technology, overseeing Choice’s corporate strategy, business analytics and technology functions.
She 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 leader in the fast-growing, high-performing segment. She will continue to lead the segment through a transition period.
Pacious added: “Anna’s leadership is a big part of the reason Choice is a leader in extended stay. I’m excited to now have her lead the development of strategies to propel the entire company forward.”
Accelerating growth
The president and CEO summed up: “Choice has always been a growth company, and that growth is now accelerating.
“We are a stronger company than we were just a year ago. Choice’s increased scope and the breadth of our portfolio give us new avenues for growth and an opportunity to expand and improve the services we provide to our franchisees, our guests, and our travel partners.”
