Kelly Griffin

Chief Operating OfficerChicago, IL
Areas of Expertise

Customer Relationship Management, Knowledge Management, Retained Search Operations

About

Known for her analytical approach and operational precision, Kelly has provided strategic guidance across a wide range of executive search engagements, ensuring both process excellence and client success. With more than two decades of expertise in knowledge management and retained search operations, she has played a pivotal role in more than 300 executive searches spanning North America, EMEA, and the Asia-Pacific region. Her deep understanding of global search dynamics and commitment to continuous improvement consistently elevate the client experience and outcomes.

Prior to joining Kincannon & Reed, Kelly held senior leadership positions within Spencer Stuart’s global research function, including Director, Central Research, North America, and Senior Manager, Central Research, Asia-Pacific.

Recent Placements & Food for Thought

The leaders we place prove the quality of our work. The knowledge of our experts provides the insight you need to attract the right candidates.

2026 Q1 Talent Trends and Implications in EMEA

AN EVOLVING TALENT MARKET The senior leadership market is deeper than many realise, but availability is constraining abundance, and accessibility does…

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2026 Q1 Talent Trends and Implications

AN EVOLVING TALENT MARKET The senior leadership market is deeper than many realize, but availability is restricting abundance, and accessibility does…

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CFO at CCI Prime Placed by K&R

CCI Prime has appointed Jamie Broad as Chief Financial Officer, bringing on a seasoned finance leader to support the company’s next…

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RISE partners with K&R on Executive Director Search

As Released by RISE RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)® announces the hiring of its next leader Scott Herndon, who…

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Kincannon & Reed Places Chief Executive Officer of Ritchie Industries

Chad Huyser has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ritchie Industries, a leading manufacturer of livestock watering solutions and a portfolio…

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Animal AgTech Is Moving from Innovation to Adoption and Leadership Expectations Are Shifting with It

By Managing Director Jon Lowe At this year’s Animal AgTech Innovation Summit, one signal stood out clearly: Animal agtech companies are…

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Preparing High-Potential Leaders for Enterprise Leadership in Food and Agriculture

Across food and agriculture, organizations are investing more intentionally in identifying high-potential talent as part of strengthening their leadership pipelines for…

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Sustaining High Performance Through Organizational Design

Why organizational design matters as leadership roles and complexity evolve In Part 1 of this series, we explored how leadership alignment…

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Leadership in a Tight Market: Our Takeaways from the World Agri-Tech Summit 2026

By K&R Principals Jon Leafstedt and Aaron Locker We recently attended the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in San Francisco, connecting with…

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Rethinking Resilience: Leadership Signals from The Australian’s Global Food Forum

At this year’s The Australian Global Food Forum, conversations across the agribusiness sector reflected a clear shift in focus: resilience is…

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CFO for Louisiana Sugar Placed by K&R

Louisiana Sugar Refining (LSR) recently welcomed Neil Jurkovic as the organization’s new Chief Financial Officer. Neil brings more than 30 years…

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Cautious Optimism in a Risk-Oriented Environment: Leadership Signals from IPPE and CattleCon

By Managing Director Jon Lowe Attending this year’s International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) and CattleCon 2026, I was struck by…

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Industry Experts Making Connections

Our principals are actively engaged in the industries they serve and leverage their talent market intelligence for clients