Interface

Jake Elson, Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO), joined Interface in October 2019. He is responsible for continuing to transform and evolve the company’s global technology systems, including its foundational IT infrastructure and the technology platforms that support Interface’s commercial and supply chain teams around the world.

Jake brings more than 25 years of IT leadership and transformation experience to Interface and a holistic view of the entire supply chain from the customer through distribution, supply chain and manufacturing. He is leveraging this expertise to drive new modern approaches and optimize existing systems to support Interface’s growth objectives.

He then progressed into leadership roles internationally, including serving as regional CIO in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Jake earned his B.S. in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems from Indiana University.

Jake Elson is a senior leader renowned for his dynamic approach, expertise in people development and strategic business partnerships. With a strong background in global IT leadership, he has a proven track record of designing and implementing IT strategies that support business growth and generate value from investments. Jake’s career, marked by diverse international experiences, reflects his ability to build high-performing, inclusive teams that deliver innovative solutions and consistently exceed expectations. He is a proponent of cross-functional collaboration, uniting talent and technology to drive success.

Driving Innovation and Business Success

With over 20 years in IT leadership, my professional journey has spanned diverse roles that honed my ability to align technology with business strategies. Before joining Interface, I served as CIO of Design Group and regional CIO for Kimberly-Clark. Since 2019, I have been Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Interface, leading a team of 153 IT professionals. I oversee IT applications, infrastructure, cybersecurity and compliance, working to transform our technology ecosystem to support critical functions like sales and supply chain while fostering innovation throughout the organization.

Globalizing our IT organization has been a significant focus, dismantling regional silos and enabling seamless collaboration. I prioritize nurturing leaders who combine technical expertise with business acumen, embodying our core values. While IT often comes into focus during times of disruption, my goal is to shift that perception. I strive to ensure our team provides exceptional support and proactively enhances systems and processes. This approach places our IT team at the heart of the company’s success and growth.

Shaping Innovation Through Collaboration and Resilience

Relocating to Bentonville, AR, to work with Walmart and other suppliers on pioneering innovations in retail was a pivotal moment in my career. It reinforced the power of cross-functional collaboration and the value of diverse perspectives in driving advancements. This experience shaped my approach to fostering environments where ideas converge to yield exceptional results.

"Leading Interface through an ever-changing technological landscape means balancing innovation with our sustainability mission. One unique challenge is adopting advanced technologies while minimizing environmental impact."

At Interface, I’ve extended these lessons by transitioning to a unified global IT organization that breaks down regional silos. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of aligning technology with company-wide goals and proved that IT should be a strategic partner driving impactful solutions. These challenges have refined my leadership philosophy and strengthened my commitment to using technology as a catalyst for meaningful progress.

Navigating Innovation and Sustainability in a Dynamic Technological Era

Leading Interface through an ever-evolving technological landscape means balancing innovation with our sustainability mission. One unique challenge I face is adopting advanced technologies while minimizing environmental impact. Implementing a cloud-hosted global analytics repository (EDW) has transformed our reporting and analytics, providing actionable insights to teams worldwide. This initiative has also empowered our sustainability team with precise data, enabling impactful initiatives that align with our mission.

Cybersecurity is another critical focus. In 2022, my team managed a significant cyber incident that tested our resilience and enhanced our expertise. This event led to improvements in our cybersecurity infrastructure, including network segmentation, enhanced email security, MFA implementation and comprehensive employee education—all steps to ensure we are prepared against evolving threats.

Collaboration between business and technical teams has been essential for overcoming challenges, driving innovation and accelerating technology adoption. This integration enhances our adaptability in a rapidly changing environment, demonstrating that technology and sustainability can indeed work together for meaningful progress.

Building a Team That Thrives on Adaptability, Collaboration and Growth

I see myself as a coach first and foremost. I encourage my leaders and team members to prioritize adaptability, collaboration and continuous learning. Leading by example is essential, so I have implemented initiatives to promote transparency, engagement and feedback. Regular global town halls and skip-level meetings help maintain open communication, keeping me informed and responsive to areas for improvement. I also prioritize talent development and take pride in witnessing team members grow, earn promotions and take on new roles—a testament to our commitment to fostering growth.

Pioneering Sustainable Technology: A Vision for the Future

The future of sustainable technology at Interface is an extraordinary opportunity to align IT innovations with our sustainability goals. I am passionate about initiatives like our floor design tool, which includes a carbon footprint calculator to help customers make informed, eco-friendly choices. Another significant project is our generative AI initiative, which boosts efficiency in product design and reduces waste, benefiting both our business and the environment.

Looking ahead, I am committed to exploring new ways for technology to drive sustainable innovation—not only at Interface but across industries, contributing to a greener future.

A Legacy of Global Transformation and People-Centered Innovation

Reflecting on my legacy at Interface, I aim to leave behind a unified global IT force that drives tangible business results. My work in leading digital transformation and integrating regional IT teams has streamlined operations and set the foundation for sustained growth. Equally significant is the people-first culture I have nurtured—a culture where team members feel valued, empowered and aligned with Interface’s mission. I want my legacy to represent a balance of technological innovation and human-centric leadership, leaving a lasting impact on the company and its people.

Guiding Aspiring Leaders: Driving Impactful Transformations with Purpose

To aspiring technology leaders, I offer this advice: align your technology strategy with your company's mission. In sustainability-focused organizations, this means adopting tools that innovate while minimizing environmental impact. Collaboration is key to partnering with business teams to understand their challenges and deliver meaningful solutions. Equally important is creating an environment where your team feels supported and inspired. Their passion and creativity are what truly drive success and push the company’s mission forward.