FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The third-generation leader transitions into a long-term strategic role focused on vision, stewardship, and future generational growth.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN, February 17, 2026 – Scalzo Hospitality, a third-generation, family-owned hotel management company based in Minneapolis, today announced that Paul Durand has transitioned from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Chairman and Visionary. In this role, Durand will focus on the company’s long-term strategic vision, chairing the family ownership board, and leading future growth initiatives.
The move follows Scalzo’s recent appointment of Ryan Haas as President and Chief Operating Officer—a step Durand describes as deliberate preparation for his own transition.
Durand, a third-generation Scalzo and grandson of the company’s founder, Carmen Scalzo, has led Scalzo Hospitality as CEO for more than two decades and has been instrumental in driving the company’s strategic transformation in recent years, including adopting an EOS-driven operating model and preparing the company to move from an owner-operator to a third-party hotel management company. His transition reflects a deliberate leadership structure designed to support both disciplined execution and long-term strategic planning.
“Since we introduced EOS at Scalzo, I’ve occupied the Visionary seat while also serving as CEO,” said Durand. “This move lets me focus fully on that role, while Ryan leads day-to-day execution. As CEO, I feel I’ve done my job, and it’s time to let Ryan lead us forward.”
Under Scalzo Hospitality’s EOS model, the COO leads day-to-day operations and executes the company’s priorities in close partnership with the CFO and the leadership team. This structure keeps the team focused on driving operational performance and growth—and it gives Durand the confidence to step back from daily involvement and focus on the company’s long-term direction.
“Paul’s leadership has been foundational to who we are today,” said Patrick Durand, Chief Financial Officer of Scalzo Hospitality. “He’s a true visionary, and this move allows him to do what he does best—think long-term, challenge us, and make sure our family business is ready for the future.”
“EOS has introduced more clarity and accountability across our leadership team,” said Ryan Haas, President and Chief Operating Officer of Scalzo Hospitality. “This move puts day-to-day operations clearly in my court and gives Paul space to keep his eyes on the horizon.”
As Chairman and Visionary, Durand will continue to champion Scalzo Hospitality’s core values (People First, Ownership, Pride, Consistency, and Transformative) while guiding the company’s long-range vision and supporting the next phase of growth. Durand’s transition underscores Scalzo Hospitality’s commitment to intentional leadership and disciplined execution as the company prepares to expand into third-party management and deliver Remarkable Hospitality to outside owners.
For more information about Scalzo Hospitality, please visit scalzohospitality.com or contact Matt Baird, Director of Communications, at matt.baird@scalzohospitality.com.
About Scalzo Hospitality
Scalzo Hospitality is a third-generation, family-owned hospitality company based in Minneapolis, focused on hotel operations, hotel management, and the development and repositioning of hospitality assets. Guided by a long-term ownership mindset, the company partners with leading global brands and local stakeholders to create properties that deliver consistent performance, enduring value, and meaningful guest experiences.
As owner-operators, Scalzo Hospitality brings an entrepreneurial yet disciplined approach to every project, aligning operational excellence with owner objectives. The company’s portfolio spans hotel and restaurant acquisition, rebranding, and ground-up development, including franchise partnerships with Marriott International. Above all, Scalzo Hospitality pursues passion projects that create lasting value for owners and the communities they serve.
Scalzo Hospitality was founded on the entrepreneurial spirit of Carmen Scalzo, who launched the family’s hotel business in the 1950s with vision and grit. His instinct for location and opportunity, paired with a commitment to warm, guest-centered hospitality, laid the foundation for the company’s enduring legacy. Today, his legacy lives on with modern leadership, disciplined execution, and a focus on long-term, strategic growth. Deeply rooted in family values, the company is proud to be an operator who cares, a partner who delivers, and a steward of a generational story that’s still being written.