Choice Hotels CHRO Patrick Cimerola to retire after 25 years
Choice Hotels International said on October 1, 2026 that chief human resources officer Patrick Cimerola will retire at the end of 2026. He leaves the North Bethesda, Maryland-based lodging franchisor after a 25-year career with the company.
Cimerola joined Choice Hotels in 2001. The company said he played a pivotal role in advancing its people strategy and leadership development efforts.
What the company says he shaped
Choice credits Cimerola with helping to guide the organization through significant periods of growth and transformation. The announcement names three: chief executive officer transitions, the integration of major acquisitions, and the company's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The release states that under his leadership Choice Hotels strengthened its reputation as an employer of choice. It adds that the company earned recognition for its workplace culture and its commitment to an environment where associates can grow and succeed.
"Patrick's impact on Choice Hotels extends far beyond human resources," said Dom Dragisich, president and chief executive officer of Choice Hotels International. "For 25 years, he has helped shape the culture, values, and leadership principles that have enabled our company to grow and thrive. His steady leadership, sound counsel, and deep commitment to our people have left an enduring mark on this organization. We are deeply grateful for his extraordinary contributions and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement."
"Patrick has been a trusted advisor by my side through some of the most transformative moments in our company's history," said Stewart Bainum, Jr., chairman of Choice Hotels International. "He has been the driving force behind our people strategy and fostered a resilient culture that supported our growth from a mid-sized lodging franchisor into a global industry leader. He has been a guiding light for our culture and our people." Bainum said he had worked with Cimerola for decades and watched him grow into the role.
Cimerola on the years behind him
"It has been a privilege to represent Choice Hotels and work alongside so many talented associates during the past 25 years," said Patrick Cimerola, chief human resources officer. "I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and grateful for the relationships and experiences that have defined my career. Choice Hotels has always been a place where people are welcomed, valued, and respected, and I am confident the company is well-positioned for continued success in the years ahead."
A successor search and a transition period
Choice Hotels will conduct a comprehensive executive search for Cimerola's successor. Cimerola will continue serving as chief human resources officer through December 2026. He will then serve as a special advisor to the company to help ensure a seamless leadership transition.
The company he leaves
Choice Hotels International, Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CHH. Its own description in the release puts the portfolio at more than 7,500 hotels, representing nearly 650,000 rooms, in 49 countries and territories.
That portfolio spans 22 brands across full-service upper upscale, midscale, extended stay and economy segments. The company also runs the Choice Privileges rewards program and co-brand credit card options for members.