Over the course of a career that progressed from Certified Public Accountant to a world-class hotelier, Paul N. Leone has earned renown as one of the most accomplished and inspired leaders in the hospitality sector. As CEO of The Breakers Palm Beach and Flagler System, Inc., Leone has steered this independent, family-owned enterprise for the last 40 years to become one of the world’s most successful resorts. 

Leone joined The Breakers in 1985 as Controller and was appointed President in 1994 at the age of 36. He was promoted to CEO of Flagler System, Inc. and The Breakers Palm Beach, Inc. in 2016, and is the first non-family CEO in the history of the 129-year-old company. He is recognized for his three-fold commitment: to nurture an organizational culture that prioritizes the fulfillment and well-being of employees, who become the driver of guest satisfaction; to deliver a superior, ever-improving experience and product; and to be an unrelenting force of action and influence for social impact. In the process, he has dramatically restored a strong sense of pride among the company’s team by enhancing their quality of life and empowering them to serve the community. Marking these efforts, The Breakers was named a “Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work” by Fortune Media® and Great Place To Work® in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Leone moved to Paris, Kentucky in high school. He was exposed to the hospitality industry at an early age, having been brought up in a family that owned and operated five local motels and two restaurants. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting at the University of Kentucky. In 2020, Leone was inducted in the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics’ Hall of Fame, and he has been honored with the World Leaders Group Servant Leadership Award and HOTELS Magazine Independent Hotelier of the World. 

Leone resides in Palm Beach with his wife, Kathy, and together they have four sons.

Photo: LILA PHOTO