Ryan K. Palazzo is a distinguished C-suite executive and transformational leader whose 32-year career has shaped some of the most challenging and complex organizations in the energy, construction, and industrial sectors. With experience spanning the United States, Canada, and U.S. Territories, Ryan has consistently delivered extraordinary results—revitalizing struggling divisions, scaling high-growth businesses, and embedding cultures of operational excellence. His career reflects a rare combination of technical expertise, strategic foresight, and an unwavering belief in the power of people to drive sustainable success.
Ryan’s professional journey began at El Paso Corporation, where he rapidly advanced from engineering roles to managing major infrastructure projects with budgets of several hundred million dollars annually. Here, he cultivated an in-depth understanding of pipeline systems, facilities, and capital project execution while also participating in high-profile mergers and acquisitions. This foundation in technical rigor and corporate integration prepared him to lead at the intersection of operations and strategy for the rest of his career.
In 2003, Ryan became a partner at Trigon EPC, a bold entrepreneurial move that demonstrated his appetite for building businesses from the ground up. Over four years, he drove the company’s revenue growth by more than sevenfold, securing and managing the majority of the firm’s project portfolio. His leadership style during this phase was marked by entrepreneurial agility, meticulous execution, and a client-centered approach that built lasting industry relationships. When CH2M Hill acquired Trigon, Ryan transitioned into a senior leadership role, expanding his influence on a larger corporate stage.
As Vice President and General Manager at CH2M Hill, Ryan led a 250-person delivery center executing large-scale pipeline and industrial projects across North America. This role demanded a delicate balance of operational oversight, financial stewardship, and strategic business development. Under his leadership, the business delivered projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars on time and on budget during a period when many industry peers were struggling to meet commitments—a testament to his ability to maintain high performance under pressure.
In 2008, Ryan joined U.S. Pipeline, Inc. and over time became Chief Operating Officer, overseeing all operational functions for a rapidly expanding pipeline and facilities construction company. Over the course of twelve years, he grew annual revenues from approximately $100 million to over $600 million while upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and client satisfaction. Even amid the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, he successfully launched and completed multiple large-scale projects, ensuring zero operational shutdowns and maintaining strong financial performance. His tenure also saw successful market expansions, the development of new revenue streams, and the cultivation of client partnerships that generated repeat, high-value business.
In 2021, Ryan took a Senior Vice President roll and was quickly promoted to the role of Segment President for the Energy, Pipeline, and Trenchless Group at Primoris Services Corporation, a $5-plus billion public company. Charged with leading seven diverse business units encompassing both union and non-union operations, Ryan inherited a segment facing revenue decline and operational inefficiency. Within two years, he executed a remarkable turnaround—more than doubling revenue, increasing operating income by over $60 million, cutting overhead costs by $6 million, and improving equipment margins by over $5 million. He also oversaw the successful $500 million acquisition and integration of two companies, exceeding post-acquisition targets and positioning his segment as the only one in the corporation to surpass integration goals.
Ryan’s M&A expertise is a consistent throughline in his career. He has identified, evaluated, negotiated, and integrated deals totaling nearly half a billion dollars in value, always ensuring that cultural alignment and operational synergy accompany financial gains. His deep involvement in both the strategic and tactical aspects of acquisitions makes him an invaluable resource for boards and investors seeking to maximize the long-term value of their transactions.
A hallmark of Ryan’s leadership philosophy is his steadfast belief that people are the driving force behind any successful transformation. He is known for developing leaders at all levels, enhancing business literacy across organizations, and fostering an environment where accountability and innovation thrive together. His ability to build cultures that are both disciplined and adaptive has yielded measurable improvements in safety performance, employee engagement, and profitability.
Ryan’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Mineral Economics from the Colorado School of Mines, supplemented by executive programs at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His advanced training in mergers and acquisitions, executive finance, high-performance leadership, and decision-making provides him with a unique blend of technical, operational, and strategic insight.
Today, Ryan is focused on bringing his extensive operational, strategic, and cultural leadership to advisory and board roles. His proven ability to transform underperforming divisions into high-margin, growth-oriented business units makes him a sought-after voice for organizations seeking to navigate growth, integration, or operational turnaround. He stands as a leader who can see both the grand vision and the granular detail—and has the discipline, expertise, and humanity to unite them into enduring success.
Character:
Ryan’s character is defined by integrity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. He leads with a balanced approach, ensuring that even the most difficult decisions are made with fairness, transparency, and respect for all stakeholders. His consistent demonstration of trustworthiness has earned him the confidence of teams, clients, and boards alike.
Knowledge:
With over three decades of experience across multiple sectors, Ryan possesses an unmatched depth of knowledge in operational management, business growth, and strategic transformation. His mastery of both the technical and commercial aspects of complex organizations allows him to identify challenges and craft solutions with precision. This knowledge is continually sharpened by his dedication to lifelong learning and professional development.
Strategic:
Ryan’s strategic vision combines market awareness, competitive insight, and operational discipline to position organizations for long-term success. He has a rare ability to create strategies that balance ambitious growth with pragmatic risk management, ensuring results that are both substantial and sustainable. His leadership consistently turns vision into reality through actionable, measurable steps.
Communication:
An articulate and engaging communicator, Ryan excels in aligning diverse teams and stakeholders around shared goals. He adapts his communication style to resonate with technical experts, financial stakeholders, and board members alike, ensuring clarity at every level. His openness and transparency foster trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to success.
