John Gibson

Rochester Business Journal Staff//February 10, 2023//

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John Gibson

President and Chief Executive Officer, Paychex

Years in current role: 1

What was your biggest challenge in 2022?

After becoming the fourth CEO in our 51-year history in 2022, my biggest challenge has been supporting our more than 16,000 employees as they helped our customers navigate through the many stresses facing them and keeping our focus on our purpose — to help businesses succeed.

2022 was difficult for all businesses as we dealt with the continued impacts of COVID, inflation, and general economic uncertainty. Keeping yourself and everyone around you focused during changing times is always a challenge.

What are your priorities for 2023?

We’re focused on expanding our impact on the lives of our customers, our employees, and those living in the communities we serve by driving growth, innovating, and enhancing our customers’ experience in all of our markets.

What advice would you give young professionals in the Rochester business community?

Rochester is an amazing community to grow your career and raise a family. Earlier in my career, I discovered that it’s vitally important to invest time in continuous learning and community involvement. Rochester has a highly educated and vibrant professional community with excellent higher educational institutions. Take advantage of it by learning a new skill and building a mentor network in the community. When you stop learning you stop growing. A great way to connect and give back at the same time is to volunteer in the community.

What do you think will be different about the Rochester community in five years?

Our city has a rich history of entrepreneurship and that will be critical in the years ahead as the old company models are replaced by the new economy. Today, our investments in technology and innovation are transforming our city to an increasingly service- and technology-based economy. At Paychex, we are an example of this change as we have transformed ourselves into a technology solutions and advisory company.

What is your favorite way to relieve stress?

For me, every day starts with exercise. I’ve found that there’s no better way to prepare for the day and focus my mind before the meetings and decision-making begins. My other go-to strategy for relieving stress is being on or near water — I love the Finger Lakes!

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2023. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.