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Paylocity

Cloud HCMFounded 1997
Reviewed by Swet Parvadiya
Company data updated: November 2026

Leadership History

Paylocity: CEO History

2 leaders · Full leadership timeline

Who is the CEO of Paylocity?

Toby Williams is the CEO of Paylocity.

Current CEO
Toby Williams
Leaders documented
5
Founded
1997
NameRoleFromToYears in role
Toby WilliamsChief Executive Officer—Present—
Michael HaskeVice Chairman & Former CEO—Present—

Company Overview

Founded in 1997 by Steve Sarowitz in Schaumburg, Illinois, Paylocity evolved from an independent payroll bureau into a $1.40B cloud HCM powerhouse listed on NASDAQ as PCTY. Operating on an enterprise scale across global markets, Paylocity continues to expand its digital capabilities, integrating automated cloud workflows, enterprise-grade data security protocols, and advanced machine learning models to maximize client retention and long-term operating efficiency. The enterprise remains focused on capital discipline, scalable subscription economics, and strategic customer expansion. Paylocity represents an institutional pillar within its global sector, maintaining expansive operations, robust enterprise customer relationships, and mission-critical cloud platform architecture. Operating on an enterprise scale across global markets, Paylocity continues to expand its digital capabilities, integrating automated cloud workflows, enterprise-grade data security protocols, and advanced machine learning models to maximize client retention and long-term operating efficiency. The enterprise remains focused on capital discipline, scalable subscription economics, and strategic customer expansion across enterprise and mid-market accounts. continuous investment in specialized research and development enables Paylocity to anticipate regulatory changes, mitigate emerging cybersecurity risks, and deliver dependable software uptime for millions of daily active enterprise users worldwide. Paylocity represents an institutional pillar within its global sector, maintaining expansive operations, robust enterprise customer relationships, and mission-critical cloud platform architecture. Operating on an enterprise scale across global markets, Paylocity continues to expand its digital capabilities, integrating automated cloud workflows, enterprise-grade data security protocols, and advanced machine learning models to maximize client retention and long-term operating efficiency. The enterprise remains focused on capital discipline, scalable subscription economics, and strategic customer expansion across enterprise and mid-market accounts. continuous investment in specialized research and development enables Paylocity to anticipate regulatory changes, mitigate emerging cybersecurity risks, and deliver dependable software uptime for millions of daily active enterprise users worldwide.

Paylocity operates a high-margin recurring SaaS business model, generating revenue through per-employee-per-month (PEPM) subscription fees across core payroll and HR modules, Airbase spend management and corporate cards, interest income on client escrow funds, and professional implementation services.

Toby Williams

Chief Executive Officer

Michael Haske

Vice Chairman & Former CEO

Other senior executives

These officers report to the chief executive and are not part of the CEO timeline above.

  • Ryan Gorman, Chief Financial Officer
  • Ted Colbert, Chief Technology Officer
  • Katy Smith, Chief Marketing Officer

Challenges & Strategic Context

Paylocity faces intense competition from legacy payroll giants and agile HCM startups, macroeconomic sensitivity affecting client fund float interest yields, and the constant imperative to scale R&D for AI-driven automation.

Paylocity CEO and Leadership FAQ

What makes Paylocity's cloud HCM and payroll platform unique in the modern enterprise software market?

Paylocity distinguishes itself by combining core payroll and HR administration with an intuitive, consumer-grade mobile-first user experience, the built-in Community social collaboration hub, and advanced spend management capabilities acquired via Airbase, ensuring high employee engagement and streamlined enterprise back-office workflows.

How does Paylocity generate its recurring revenue and maintain strong financial growth?

Paylocity generates revenue primarily through SaaS subscription fees based on employee headcount, ancillary module adoption (such as talent acquisition, time and attendance, and spend management), and interest income earned on client funds held prior to tax and payroll disbursement, supporting sustained multi-year revenue expansion.

What role did Steve Sarowitz play in the founding and scaling of Paylocity?

Steve Sarowitz founded Paylocity in 1997 in Schaumburg, Illinois, serving as CEO until 2017 and establishing a culture centered on exceptional customer service, dedicated support pods, and continuous technological innovation that propelled the company into a publicly traded S&P mid-cap leader.

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Content is for informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Data sourced from SEC filings, annual reports, and public records. See our full disclaimer and methodology.