Chief Executive Officer at The Breakers Palm Beach
Brief Executive Biography
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.
Full Executive Biography
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, even more notable for thriving in a competitive, chain-dominated industry.
Leone 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. 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.
Throughout his tenure, Leone 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. He also manages an unrivaled annual investment averaging $30 million in the 534-room property, balancing preservation, modernization and profitability. An excellent communicator and an approachable, extremely disciplined leader, Leone is dedicated to the highest standards of conduct and performance.
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 studied accounting at the University of Kentucky, and following in his uncle’s footsteps, he became a Certified Public Accountant. After graduating from college, Leone joined Coopers & Lybrand in Louisville, KY. He later relocated to Coopers & Lybrand in West Palm Beach, FL where he worked with various hospitality accounts, including The Breakers.
Leone joined The Breakers in 1985 as Controller and was later promoted to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In 1992, with the unwavering support of the resort’s longstanding family ownership (heirs of founder Henry M. Flagler, circa 1896), he was promoted to President of Flagler System Management; two years later he became President of The Breakers Palm Beach and Flagler System, Inc. at the age of 36. In January 2016, Leone was appointed CEO of Flagler System, Inc. and The Breakers Palm Beach, Inc. respectively. He is the first non-family CEO in the history of the 129-year-old company.
Leone resides in Palm Beach with his wife, Kathy, and together they have four sons.
Paul Leone’s impactful leadership role has extended to the community at large, for which he has been recognized with the following awards and distinctions:
- Palm Beach Atlantic University: American Free Enterprise Medalist (2024)
- First Serve of the Palm Beaches: Paul Van der Grift Servant Leadership Award (2023)
- South Florida Business Journal: South Florida Ultimate CEO (2022)
- Palm Beach Media Group: Palm Beach 100 (2020 - 2022)
- Florida Trend: Icon (2021)
- University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics: Hall of Fame (2020)
- World Leaders Group: Servant Leadership Award (2014) – first recipient of this accolade
- HOTELS Magazine: Independent Hotelier of the World (2013)
- South Florida Business Journal: 100 Power Leaders (2013)
- Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce: Business Leader of the Year Award (2009)
- South Florida Business Journal: Palm Beach CEO of the Year Award (2009)
- Northwood University: Outstanding Business Leader of the Year (2006)
- The United Way: Alexis de Tocqueville Award (2003)
- The United Way: Business Leadership Award (2002)
- Town of Palm Beach: Proclamation of "Paul Leone" Day (April 15, 2002)
- Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce: One & Only Award (2001)
- Palm Beach Daily News: Business Leader Award (1996)
Leone is involved in the following civic and charitable organizations:
- Place of Hope — CEO Leadership Council (2024)
- Palm Beach Community Chest of United Way — Vice Chairman, Alexis de Tocqueville (Past Chairman, 2000 - 2002)
- Palm Beach Day Academy — Honorary Trustee (Past President, 2006 - 2011)
- Palm Beach Civic Association — Board of Directors (2011 – present)
- Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts — Board of Directors; CEO Review, Operations, Governance, Capital Campaign, and Chair of Audit Committees (2013 – present)
- Economic Council of Palm Beach County — Executive Committee
- Florida Council of 100 — Board Member
- Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce — Member (Past President, 2004 - 2006)
- American Hotel & Lodging Association, Resort Committee — Member
- Raymond J. Kunkel Foundation — Trustee
Photo Link: Paul N. Leone Headshot (photo credit: LILA PHOTO)