Kelly Services Announces New Leadership
Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA) has officially announced the appointment of Chris Layden as its new president and chief executive officer. This significant transition in leadership is set to take place on September 2, 2025, following the retirement announcement of longtime CEO Peter Quigley. Quigley will remain with the company as a strategic advisor during the transition period, ensuring a harmonious handover of responsibilities.
Layden: A Leader with Proven Expertise
Chris Layden is recognized for his robust leadership abilities and a wealth of experience in steering organizations towards growth and transformation. He recently held the position of chief operating officer at Prolink, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing the company’s operational capabilities and service delivery. His leadership resulted in significant organic growth and a stronger competitive edge for Prolink in the workforce solutions market.
Deep Industry Experience
Before his tenure at Prolink, Layden spent nearly two decades with ManpowerGroup. In various senior roles, he was instrumental in implementing enterprise-wide initiatives and executing business transformations that contributed substantially to the company’s progress across key sectors including life sciences, engineering, and technology. His ability to lead innovative strategies has set him apart as a visionary leader in the workforce solutions arena.
Vision for Kelly Services
With Layden stepping into the new role, the company’s board chairman, Terrence Larkin, expressed confidence in Layden's capabilities, highlighting that his extensive background aligns perfectly with Kelly’s future growth ambitions. "Chris's track record in driving commercial excellence and transforming organizations will be invaluable as we enhance our efforts towards profitability and value creation for all our stakeholders," Larkin stated.
Embracing New Opportunities
In his own words, Chris Layden emphasized his excitement in joining Kelly Services, citing the company's strong evolution and momentum as key factors that attracted him to the position. He is eager to collaborate with Quigley and the talented team at Kelly to uncover new opportunities for growth and to further enhance the services provided to clients and customers alike.
Gratitude for Quigley’s Leadership
The transition comes with recognition of Peter Quigley’s contributions over his remarkable 22-year career with Kelly. Quigley’s vision and dedication have played an essential role in positioning Kelly as a leading global specialty talent solutions provider. His commitment to customer service and talent cultivation has been a cornerstone of Kelly's growth.
Looking Ahead: The Path Forward
As Kelly Services prepares for the leadership transition, the company plans to share further details during their upcoming second-quarter earnings conference call. Layden’s onboarding represents a pivotal moment for Kelly, suggesting more innovative strategies and advancements might be on the horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new CEO of Kelly Services?
The new CEO of Kelly Services is Chris Layden, appointed to take on the role effective September 2, 2025.
What prior experience does Chris Layden have?
Chris Layden previously served as the chief operating officer at Prolink and has significant experience with ManpowerGroup in various senior roles.
What does Peter Quigley’s role entail after retiring?
Peter Quigley will continue as a strategic advisor and remain on the board until the next Annual Shareholders Meeting.
What is Kelly Services known for?
Kelly Services is known for providing specialty talent solutions and workforce management, helping companies recruit and manage skilled workers.
When will Kelly Services share more details about the transition?
Further details will be provided during their upcoming second-quarter earnings conference call.
