Kelly Griffin

Senior Vice President, OperationsChicago, 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.

Getting Executive Hires Right in 2026

Now that 2026 is underway, one question remains front and center for executive teams across the ag and food system: how…

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2025 Year End Global Talent Trends & Implications

As the calendar turns toward 2026, one question looms large: how will you ensure your next leadership team and your next…

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Future-Proofing Leadership in the Seed Industry

By Managing Partner Jon Leafstedt and Managing Director Aaron Locker | Originally Published by Seed World The Growing Leadership Challenge The…

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Guittard Chocolate Partners with K&R on SVP, Sales Search

Guittard Chocolate Company, a fifth-generation chocolate company founded in 1868, has appointed Amy Heitkamp as Senior Vice President, Industrial Chocolate Sales.…

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From Hype to Impact: Reflections from the APAC Agri-Food Innovation Summit

By Managing Partner Phillip Osborne This year’s APAC Agri-Food Innovation Summit felt energising in a different way. Instead of the usual…

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From Good to Great: Board Search in the European Agrifood Sectors

In the European food and agriculture sectors, the right board Board Chair or Non-Executive Director (NED) can change outcomes. Margins are…

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Navigating Generational Change and Leadership Readiness in the Seed Industry

By Managing Partner Jon Leafstedt and Managing Director Aaron Locker Coming out of this year’s Western Seed Association Annual Convention, one…

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Leading Through Change: Reflections from Euroseeds Congress 2025

By Managing Director Christophe Dumont Attending this year’s Euroseeds Congress, I was reminded just how quickly the seed industry is evolving,…

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CEO at Låkril Technologies Placed by K&R

As Released by Låkril Technologies Låkril Technologies, a pioneer in bio-focused process technology and catalyst development, today announced the appointment of…

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Adapting to Transformation: The Future of Bakery Industry Leadership

By Kimberly Bretz & Lisa Johnson As the bakery industry evolves faster than ever, the recipe for success now demands more…

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DLF Partners with K&R on EVP Search

As Published by DLF We are pleased to announce that Matt Fanta will be joining DLF as Executive Vice President for…

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Building for What’s Next: Leadership Development and Succession in Agribusiness

By Managing Directors Aaron Locker and Heiri Gugger Coming out of this year’s CLA/CPDA Annual Meeting, what stood out most to…

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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