#United States #Choice Hotels #North Bethesda #Jeff Lobb #Simone Wu

Choice Hotels Welcomes Jeff Lobb as SVP, General Counsel and Secretary

Choice Hotels International, Inc., a prominent player in the global lodging industry, has announced the appointment of Jeff Lobb as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary, effective March 26, 2026. Lobb, a seasoned leader within the organization, takes over this critical role from Simone Wu, who is set to retire after a commendable 14-year tenure with the company.

A Seamless Transition

Lobb will work closely with Wu in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition during this period of leadership change. Pat Pacious, President and CEO of Choice Hotels, expressed gratitude for Wu's dedicated service, recognizing her contribution to navigating many pivotal moments for the company. He emphasized Lobb's extensive experience and leadership skills that make him well-suited for this role.

For nearly two decades, Lobb has been part of the Choice Hotels team, most recently serving as Deputy General Counsel. This role equipped him with a deep understanding of the legal landscape and corporate governance, having overseen teams focused on corporate finance and transactions, as well as playing a central role in key legal affairs.

Lobb's Journey at Choice Hotels

Throughout his career at Choice Hotels, Lobb has developed a solid reputation as a reliable in-house counsel, providing counsel on complex legal matters and strategic initiatives. His involvement spans various crucial areas, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and major contractual agreements. His professional accomplishments have earned him recognition within the legal community, highlighted by his designation as an Outstanding In-House Counsel by the Association of Corporate Counsel.

This extensive background positions Lobb as an ideal successor who can step in and continue the company’s legal and governance strategies seamlessly. His approach has always been rooted in the values that Choice Hotels advocates—integrity, commitment to associates, and focus on providing high-quality experiences for guests and franchise owners.

Looking Ahead

In his new role, Lobb emphasized his enthusiasm about continuing to serve at Choice Hotels. He stated, “This is a company with a strong culture, clear values, and a long history of doing what's right for its associates, franchisees, shareholders, and guests. I look forward to building on that foundation and supporting Choice Hotels' continued growth and success.”

As Choice Hotels International looks towards the future, with over 7,500 hotels in its portfolio, Lobb’s appointment signals a clear commitment to maintaining their values and ensuring continued operational excellence in the hospitality sector.

In summary, Jeff Lobb’s appointment is a strategic move for Choice Hotels International, as it navigates a crucial time in the industry with a trusted leader at the helm of legal affairs. As the company continues to expand its global footprint, having Lobb on board as SVP, General Counsel, and Secretary will undoubtedly bolster their legal frameworks and public policy strategies necessary for success.

About Choice Hotels

As one of the world's largest lodging franchisors, Choice Hotels International has a significant presence in over 50 countries and territories, offering a vast array of 22 brands to cater to diverse traveler needs. Their focus on enhancing customer experience while driving value for franchisees and shareholders remains the core of their operational strategy.