Choice Hotels Taps Hospitality Veteran Aly El-Bassuni to Lead Managed Hotels Division
Choice Hotels International is shaking up its leadership team by appointing Aly El-Bassuni as Senior Vice President of its Managed Hotels Division, starting August 2025. This isn’t just a routine promotion—it's the company’s big bet on the future of its global portfolio. If you’ve ever stayed at a Choice Hotel, pay attention: the way you experience these properties could soon get a major upgrade.
At the center of this change is Aly El-Bassuni, a figure with deep roots in the hospitality industry. Thirty years is a long time in any field, and El-Bassuni has spent that time climbing to the top of companies like Aimbridge Hospitality, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, and Radisson Hotel Group Americas. His resume? Packed with roles focusing on operations, franchising, and brand management, all of which matter for someone about to steer a vast portfolio of managed hotels.
Before landing at Choice, El-Bassuni was President of Operations, Owner & Brand Relations at Aimbridge Hospitality, where his work revolved around making sure hotel owners were happy—and guests even happier. Operating support, business growth, franchise services, and opening new hotels were all part of his daily grind. Where some leaders manage from a distance, El-Bassuni has built a reputation for being hands-on and genuinely valuing frontline staff. This approach, according to Choice Hotels’ Executive Vice President Dom Dragisich, makes him just the right fit for leading their managed hotels.
Choice Hotels isn’t treating this appointment as business as usual. There’s a clear push to enhance operational oversight—no more lax management or inconsistent guest experiences. The company is looking for solid, sustainable development. El-Bassuni's background in quality assurance and launching hotels in new markets suggests he’ll bring both structure and creativity to the table. Plus, with someone at the helm who’s plugged into both guest satisfaction and owner relations, it’s likely we’ll see innovation at the property level—think flexible amenities, smoother operations, and maybe even some new branding touches.
El-Bassuni himself is eager to make an impact. He’s going beyond the usual corporate pleasantries—talking about a genuine drive to deliver operational excellence and innovative solutions for both the guests and those who run the hotels. He sees this as more than a big title: it’s a chance to lead, build, and change things for the better for employees, franchisees, and guests alike.
Strategic Vision Pays Off—And Investors Notice
There’s more happening under the surface. Choice Hotels has also just promoted Tobias Reinecke to lead strategy and development for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. These moves point to an organization that’s focused on managed growth, expanding its reach, and keeping its properties competitive and consistent worldwide.
This fresh direction is already building investor confidence. When the news hit the market that El-Bassuni was coming onboard, shares of Choice Hotels shot up nearly 2% in a single day. Investors seem to be betting that a respected leader with global experience will mean better performance across the managed hotels portfolio, which could eventually lead to higher revenues and stronger brand loyalty.
So, what can guests expect in the months ahead? If all goes as planned, you could soon notice smoother service, upgraded guest experiences, and a more reliable hotel stay—no matter where you check in. All eyes are now on El-Bassuni and his team as they roll up their sleeves and get to work shaping the future of Choice Hotels’ managed properties worldwide.
