PHOTO: Newly-appointed Choice Hotels President Patrick Pacious. (photo courtesy of Choice Hotels International)
Choice Hotels International announced a pair of notable promotions this week.
The Rockville, Maryland-based company revealed that Chief Operating Officer, Patrick Pacious, has been appointed to the role of President. Pacious, who will also remain in his role as COO, will take on a greater role in the operational and strategic leadership of Choice Hotels moving forward.
A former U.S. Navy officer, Pacious was promoted to COO in late 2013 and has spent more than a decade with the company, serving in a variety of leadership roles over that time.
In a statement, Choice Hotels CEO Stephen Joyce said Pacious, "has proven to be an exceptional leader."
"His innovative thinking and vision will continue to enhance the strategic direction, growth and profitability of our company," Joyce added.
In his own statement, Pacious said he's "honored to receive this promotion."
"I look forward to continuing to work closely with Steve and the rest of the management team to continue to grow our business and increase the value proposition for our franchisees and guests."
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The company also confirmed Tuesday that Scott Oaksmith has been appointed Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer. Most recently, Oaksmith served as Controller of the company's financial organization, where he's spent well over a decade.
In addition to the promotions, Choice Hotels announced that David White will step down from his role of Chief Financial Officer next month. White is scheduled to step down June 3 but will remain with the company to assist with the CFO transition before departing later this year.
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With White on the way out, much of the responsibility will fall on Oaksmith.
"I am extremely confident in Scott's ability to lead the finance organization until a new CFO is appointed," said Joyce.
In the meantime, the company has hired Spencer Stuart to conduct an executive search for a permanent CFO.
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