Choice Hotels International Chief Human Resources Officer Patrick Cimerola will retire at the end of this year, the company announced Thursday.
Cimerola will depart his role effective Jan. 1, 2027, at which point he will transition to a special advisor role that he will serve in through June 30, 2027, according to a Thursday filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Cimerola will remain at Choice through June to ensure a smooth leadership transition and assist the company with certain strategic initiatives, per the filing. During his time as a special advisor, Cimerola will receive a base salary of $25,000 per month. In 2025, Cimerola received a base salary of $500,000 per year, per an April SEC filing.
In the meantime, Choice will conduct a “comprehensive executive search” to select Cimerola’s successor, according to a Thursday news release.
In the release, Cimerola said, “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.”
Cimerola will retire after a 25-year career at Choice, during which he “played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s people strategy and leadership development efforts,” per the release.
The HR leader led Choice through “significant periods of growth and transformation,” including the integration of major acquisitions, the company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and CEO transitions, per the release. Choice appointed company executive Dom Dragisich as CEO in August.
“Patrick’s impact on Choice Hotels extends far beyond human resources,” Dragisich said in a statement. “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.”
Other C-suite moves at Choice this year include former CEO Patrick Pacious stepping down and company veteran Tony Pallas being named chief technology officer.
