Faris H. Faris is a results-driven technology executive with a proven track record in leveraging technologies and building winning teams to drive business growth. Experienced in business system and process transformation, Faris excels in building winning teams, identifying opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and driving technical advancements where it counts. Proficient in AI and machine learning, Cyber-Security, ERP, WMS, CRM, and Strategic Planning, Faris has successfully led and delivered enterprise and digital transformational projects to enhance not only customer experience, but business operations and shareholder value.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CIO Magazine, Faris shared his insights on technology leadership and innovation. He highlighted his passion for strategic planning and leveraging technology to drive business success and emphasized teamwork, clear communication and empowering his team for growth. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Faris. Please share your background and areas of expertise.
My name is Faris Faris, and I currently serve as the Chief Information and Technology Officer at Ferraro Foods, a leading Italian food distributor established in 1975. Ferraro Foods is renowned for delivering quality food products, value, and reliable service to the Italian restaurant and pizzeria segment, serving over 8,000 customers across half of the United States.
With over 25 years of experience in technology, I have held various roles, including helpdesk technician, network administrator, service support manager, director of IT, VP of IT, and CIO/CTO. Each of these positions has significantly contributed to my development as a leader in the field.
What do you love the most about your current role?
I love the strategic planning and contributing to the success of business through technology. Watching technology evolve continuously is exciting, learning new tools and systems (such as AI) and the speed at which they are evolving is remarkable and insightful. In addition to the new tools being developed, there are the individuals who sell them and organizations that use them, allowing me to build my network of peers and contacts, which is always invaluable.
What trends do you see shaping the future of technology in the food distribution industry?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to be at the forefront of virtually every business and technology leader’s agenda. It is rare to find a conversation between vendors and clients that does not include the topic of AI these days. The advantages of leveraging AI in the food distribution market, as well as other distribution markets, are numerous. If tuned correctly, AI could potentially excel in improving sales through product recommendations, optimizing product replenishment and demand planning, setting competitive product pricing, and enhancing delivery and route optimization.
Can you describe your leadership style, and how you motivate and develop your team?
I strongly believe in the power of teamwork and the importance of clear, consistent communication. By leveraging the strengths of my team and promoting continuous training and development, I like to foster an environment where everyone can thrive. Throughout my career, I have encountered leaders who were more “bosses” than team players, and those who made a significant positive impact on my (and others) career growth. I strive to be the latter, a leader who empowers my team, supports their growth, listens, and provides opportunities for success and advancement in their careers.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
There is not one particular person, however, throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with several seasoned leaders who have significantly influenced my professional growth. These individuals, with over 30 years of experience, instilled invaluable skills and a mindset focused on achieving results. They taught me the importance of perseverance, innovation, negotiation, and placed me in roles that helped expand my understanding of the supply chain business. This experience includes spearheading three ERP implementations, which honed my skillset and ability to manage corporate-wide cross functional complex projects on time and within budget. While there isn’t one specific individual to credit, I am deeply grateful for the wisdom and guidance of these mentors.
What was it like being named a finalist for the 2025 NewYorkCIO ORBIE Awards, and what did it mean for you?
The entire process is very exciting for me, being nominated was an honor in itself, but to be selected as a finalist alongside other exceptionally talented and successful CIOs was a heartfelt moment. The NewYorkCIO ORBIE Awards, along with its affiliates, is an incredible organization that not only fosters great networking opportunities but also provides a platform for professional growth. Through this experience, I have had the privilege of meeting some remarkable C-Suite individuals with whom I look forward to sharing insightful ideas and growing.
Receiving such a reputable honor in the technology world is always rewarding, especially when the focus is heavily based on the success of the business and the support of growth. I firmly believe that if you strive to do your best for not only yourself, but your peers and the business, success will follow. I do my best to stay focused, work hard, work smart, stay abreast of trends, prioritize family, and do my best to consistently deliver on time and within budget.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
Spending time with my wife, Jodi, and our two daughters, Annalise (12) and Ayla (8), along with our golden retriever, Maggie, and our cat, Axl, is one of my greatest joys. I also enjoy playing the guitar occasionally and have a passion for cooking, both in the kitchen and at the outdoor barbecue. I try to make all of my family and friends’ time special.
Which technology are you investing in now to prepare for the future?
We are constantly exploring innovative ways to continue leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to enhance both our internal operations and customer-facing systems. Our goal is to identify the right AI tools that can help us achieve cost savings while simultaneously boosting sales, operations, and performance, while streamlining our customers’ ordering processes through e-commerce, and providing them with efficient, automated services where available.
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
As a forward-thinking technology leader, I am committed to staying at the forefront of evolving technologies. My dedication to this allows me to leverage cutting-edge tools and systems to continue driving business success and innovation.
What advice would you give to young professionals looking to enter your field?
Here is some advice and guidance that resonated with me throughout my career, and which I appreciate and practice daily. First, be proactive and not reactive, always think “what if”, because if there’s a chance it could happen, it will, so be prepared. Second, learn the business you’re in; you are only going to succeed if you understand how your business operates and generates revenue, and how you can contribute to that success via technology. Third, understand that everyone has their own personality; having the ability to understand, adapt, or adjust to people’s personalities is a good skill to have as a leader.