Michael Gioja

Mike Gioja serves as the senior vice president of product development and IT, leading the advancement of all Paychex applications, including the company’s award-winning human capital management offering, Paychex Flex®. With a career spanning more than 45 years, Gioja is a seasoned professional navigating the forefront of technological evolution.  

Gioja has consistently driven innovation and transformation. His forward thinking is evident through his early adoption of agile development, ensuring nimble and efficient project execution. In the realm of cybersecurity, Gioja has demonstrated a commitment to safeguarding digital assets and ensuring robust protection against evolving threats. His leadership in platform engineering has laid the foundation for scalable and resilient systems, while his transformative mindset has been pivotal in adopting Software as a Service (SaaS) models. 

Gioja’s expertise extends into cutting-edge domains like AI and machine learning, where he champions the integration of intelligent technologies for heightened operational efficiency and decision-making. His strategic approach to datafication has unlocked the potential of data, turning it into a valuable asset for informed decision-making and fostering competitive advantage. 

Gioja was named a Top 100 HR Tech Influencer by HR Executive magazine in 2021 and 2022. Active in the community, Gioja supports many organizations, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Bivona Child Advocacy Center, Trillium Health, The Strong National Museum of Play, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Prior to Paychex, he held senior leadership positions with companies including IBM, American Express, Fidelity, SAP, and PeopleSoft. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the State University of NY at Oswego.