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.

When Stability Returns, Leadership Gaps Become Harder to Ignore

Reflections from the 2026 CPDA Annual Meeting By Aaron Locker, Managing Director, Kincannon & Reed The 2026 CLA/CPDA/TFI Annual Meeting brought…

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K&R Places VP of Revenue Management at Natural Choice Food

Natural Choice Foods has named Suzanne Kalamar as Vice President of Revenue Management, adding a seasoned pricing and commercial leader to…

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Careers Looking Backwards: What a “Zigzag” Career Can Teach Us About Leadership

Lessons from the 2026 Women in Agribusiness Summit on why zigzag careers build stronger leaders: lateral moves, setbacks, advocacy and finding…

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Kincannon & Reed Places Andy Paston as Chief Commercial Officer of Stokes Seeds

Andy Paston has been named Chief Commercial Officer of Stokes Seeds, a leading North American supplier of vegetable seed serving commercial…

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AI in Executive Search: Why Human Judgment Matters More in Food and Agriculture

Artificial intelligence is changing executive search in two important ways: it is reshaping the leadership capabilities organizations need, and it is…

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K&R Welcomes Dana Brooks Christy as Managing Director

Kincannon & Reed, a leading executive search and leadership development firm exclusively serving organizations across the global food and agriculture value…

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Animal Health Leadership in a Changing Industry

By Managing Director Jon Lowe The animal health industry is entering a period of meaningful change. Innovation is increasingly coming from…

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Mid-Year 2026 Global Talent Trends and Implications

Insights for navigating an evolving leadership landscape in food and agriculture The global talent trends facing organizations across the food and…

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Mid-Year 2026 EMEA Talent Trends and Implications

Insights for navigating an evolving leadership landscape in food and agriculture The leadership challenges facing organisations across the food and agriculture…

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Mid-Year 2026 APAC Talent Trends and Implications

Insights for navigating an evolving leadership landscape in food and agriculture The leadership challenges facing organisations across the food and agriculture…

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Kincannon & Reed Promotes Caroline Petit to Director, APAC

Kincannon & Reed is pleased to announce the promotion of Caroline Petit to Director, APAC. In her new role, Caroline will…

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K&R Places President at Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association

As Released by Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association The Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) has announced the appointment of Jenny…

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