Key Takeaways
- Tony Pallas has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Choice Hotels International, reporting to Chief Data, AI & Technology Officer Anna Scozzafava.
- In his new role he will oversee enterprise technology, engineering, and the SkyTouch Technology platform that powers hotel operations and property‑management systems.
- Pallas brings more than a decade of experience modernizing Choice Hotels’ technology stack, having previously served as Chief Commercial and Technology Officer for the company’s property‑management business.
- Under his leadership the property‑management business saw annual revenue grow 68% and EBITDA rise nearly 100%, effectively doubling the segment.
- He was the executive sponsor and chief architect of CHARLIE, an AI‑powered solution unveiled at Choice Hotels’ recent convention, and will drive broader AI initiatives such as Business Direct, EasyBid, and RAISE.
- Prior to Choice Hotels, Pallas consulted on emerging‑technology strategies and led teams delivering custom software across web, mobile, and IoT platforms.
- The appointment underscores Choice Hotels’ commitment to integrating hospitality expertise with data, AI, and cloud‑based technology to deliver scalable solutions for franchisees, owners, and guests.
Promotion Announcement and Reporting Structure
Choice Hotels International announced on June 8, 2026 that Tony Pallas has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer. In this capacity he will report directly to Anna Scozzafava, the company’s Chief Data, AI & Technology Officer. The move places Pallas at the helm of enterprise technology, engineering, and the SkyTouch Technology platform, which underpins the firm’s hotel operations and property‑management systems. This reporting line reinforces the strategic alignment between data‑driven insights and technology execution across the organization.
Professional Background and Tenure at Choice Hotels
Pallas has been with Choice Hotels for more than ten years, during which he led numerous platform‑modernization initiatives. His work focused on expanding cloud‑based capabilities, enhancing system scalability, and delivering solutions that improve hotel performance and operational efficiency. Most recently he served as Chief Commercial and Technology Officer for the company’s hotel property‑management system business, where he was responsible for both commercial strategy and technology delivery.
Leadership Endorsement from Anna Scozzafava
Anna Scozzafava praised Pallas as a proven leader with deep technology and hospitality expertise. She highlighted his track record of building high‑performing teams, creating cutting‑edge technology platforms, and keeping customer needs central to every decision. According to Scozzafava, Pallas’s leadership will accelerate the company’s ability to scale innovation, execute with excellence, and generate long‑term value for franchisees, customers, and guests.
Strategic Importance of the CTO Role
The appointment underscores Choice Hotels’ continued focus on operating at the intersection of hospitality, data, artificial intelligence, and technology. By elevating a seasoned technologist to the CTO seat, the company aims to strengthen its capacity to innovate rapidly while maintaining rigorous execution standards. This positioning is intended to support the firm’s growth objectives in an increasingly digital travel landscape.
Past Achievements: Revenue and EBITDA Growth
While leading the property‑management business, Pallas drove a 68% increase in annual revenue and nearly doubled EBITDA, representing close to a 100% uplift. These results effectively doubled the business under his tenure, demonstrating his ability to translate technology investments into measurable financial performance. The growth was attributed to enhanced product offerings, improved customer acquisition, and streamlined operational processes.
Role in AI‑Powered Solutions
Pallas served as the executive sponsor and chief architect for CHARLIE, one of several AI‑powered solutions unveiled at Choice Hotels’ annual convention last month. In his new CTO role he will continue to support the development and adoption of the company’s broader AI‑enabled portfolio, including Choice Hotels Business Direct, EasyBid, and RAISE. These tools are designed to help hotel owners capture more demand, boost operational efficiency, and prepare for the evolving dynamics of travel discovery and booking.
Prior Experience Before Joining Choice Hotels
Before his tenure at Choice Hotels, Pallas consulted for various firms on emerging‑technology strategies, product development, and digital transformation. He led organizations that delivered custom software solutions across web, mobile, and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms. This diverse background equipped him with a broad perspective on technology trends and the ability to tailor solutions to hospitality‑specific challenges.
Statement from Tony Pallas on His Promotion
Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, Pallas noted that technology continues to play an increasingly vital role in serving hotel owners, operators, and guests. He looks forward to collaborating with talented teams to build scalable solutions, advance AI‑driven innovation, and deliver technologies that support stakeholder success while positioning Choice Hotels for continued growth in a digital world. He described the promotion as an honor, coming at an exciting time for the company.
Overview of Choice Hotels International
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, overseeing more than 7,500 properties representing nearly 650,000 rooms across 51 countries and territories. Its portfolio comprises 22 brands spanning full‑service upper upscale, midscale, extended stay, and economy segments, enabling the company to meet diverse traveler needs. The award‑winning Choice Privileges® rewards program and co‑branded credit card offerings further enhance member engagement and loyalty.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The promotion of Tony Pallas to Chief Technology Officer reflects Choice Hotels’ strategic push to deepen its technological capabilities while staying rooted in hospitality excellence. His proven ability to drive revenue growth, lead AI initiatives, and modernize technology stacks positions the company to scale innovation rapidly, improve franchisee performance, and enhance guest experiences. As the travel industry continues to evolve with advances in data analytics and artificial intelligence, Pallas’s leadership is expected to be a catalyst for sustained value creation across the Choice Hotels ecosystem.