Experienced Leaders in Retained Executive Search
Guided by the vision of our founder, Kelly Kincannon, the firm has built a wide network of connections and visibility in the industries we serve and has steadily expanded our client base.
We have completed searches for clients large and small around the world from our global network of offices.
We have built a reputation for confidentiality and the highest ethical standards, treating every client and prospective candidate fairly, respectfully, and with discretion.
We conduct cost-effective, thorough searches for the candidates with the best combination of industry experience, cultural fit, and game-changing leadership skills.
Every search seeks a diverse slate of candidates.
The firm continues to grow and prosper under the new management team installed in 2007, while Mr. Kincannon continues full time as chairman with a focus on CEO and board of director searches.
Governing Principles
To assure clients excellence, value, and integrity in our services, Kincannon & Reed:
Accepts only those assignments within the firm's scope of competence.
Acts in full compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity and Americans with Disabilities Acts.
Establishes written understanding of the objectives, scope, and specifications of the services to be provided prior to accepting the assignment.
Holds in strictest confidence all information concerning the business affairs of clients and all others with whom we interact during the course of an assignment.
Will not recruit nor cause to be recruited any person from a contracting client organization for a period of one year after initiation of the most recent assignment.
Will disclose to the client any and all limitations affecting the scope of the assignment arising through service to other clients.
Who We Are
June 1981
Founded in St. Louis, Missouri with initial focus on North American
Mid-1980s
Begins to serve clients in Latin America and Europe
1986
Headquarters move to Washington, D.C.
1990s
Search work expands to Asia and Africa
2007
Founder Kelly Kincannon becomes Chairman, transfers firm general management to new leadership team.
New office opens in Tokyo, Japan
2008
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Global expansion
New office established in Australia
European presence expands with new offices in France and the Netherlands
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Resource extension improves capacity and quality
Information systems capacity doubles to provide faster and more reliable shared resources
Research staff expands.
"You consistently challenge us and broaden our thinking and horizons. You are able to show that sometimes what we think we want is very different than what we need."
- Human resources director for a major crop input company
"We ended up with the ideal candidate combination, and one we would not have envisioned ourselves. Your firm's knowledge of the sector was invaluable as it led to opportunities beyond the search."
- Managing director of a private equity firm
"In addition to finding us great candidates, you worked adeptly and sensitively with all our internal stakeholders. Widespread ownership in the selection process will help our team extend to new hires the support they need for success."
- CEO, privately owned artisan bread company
"We have worked with all the big global firms, and Kincannon & Reed has been easily the most thorough and professional."
- Head of human resources of large multinational company
"We appreciate that you are always reachable and that you never give up even when we all know the search is extremely difficult."
- Chairman of major distribution company
"Thank you for your excellent assistance in this process. The tight search timeline was respected and I believe that the candidate will bring much value to our company."
- CEO for crop input company
"When this search started you indicated one of your goals was to provide a slate that would be so good that we would have difficulty choosing just one candidate. You far exceeded that goal."
- Business unit president for global animal health company
"One of our Senior VPs commented early on that hiring a retained firm was not our best investment of time and money. On our last conference call, however, he indicated he's become a true believer in Kincannon & Reed, and wanted to go on the record as retracting his earlier comment."
- VP of HR for multi-billion dollar, family-owned grain company
"Kincannon & Reed is universally respected and relied upon for quality partnership and mentoring when it comes to senior-level executive searches."
- Former CEO of major agribusiness organization
"Kincannon & Reed has good instincts for people and works hard to know the organization they're serving. "They do a magnificent job matching qualified candidates to the organization."
- Director of Biotech Business Development, multinational agricultural biotechnology organization
"Even when we're not using them, the Kincannon & Reed team keeps in touch because they seem genuinely interested in what we're doing. So when people ask me who we should turn to, I invariably point them to Kincannon & Reed."
- CEO of animal genetics and technology firm