Kelly Appoints Chris Layden as New CEO and President

Kelly Services has announced the appointment of Chris Layden as President and CEO, effective September 2, 2025. Layden succeeds Peter Quigley, who will remain as a strategic advisor and board member until May 2026. Under Quigley's leadership, Kelly achieved its best financial position in 25 years by focusing on higher-margin businesses. Layden brings experience in driving organic growth and operational enhancements, and his appointment aims to maintain momentum in a rapidly changing labor market landscape.

Kelly Services (Nasdaq: KELYA, KELYB) has announced the appointment of Chris Layden as its new President and CEO, effective September 2, 2025. Layden will succeed Peter Quigley, who will remain as a strategic advisor and board member until May 2026 [1].

Under Quigley's 22-year tenure, Kelly transformed into a global specialty talent solutions provider, achieving its strongest financial position in 25 years through a focus on higher-margin businesses and organizational efficiency [1]. Layden brings valuable credentials to this role, most recently serving as COO at Prolink, where he drove rapid organic growth and operational improvements [1]. His nearly two-decade tenure at ManpowerGroup included significant contributions to growth in key verticals such as life sciences, engineering, and technology [1].

The appointment of Layden signals strategic continuity with potential for accelerated growth. The board's statement emphasizes continuity with the company's existing strategic direction while signaling expectations for accelerated profitable growth [1]. Quigley's parting assessment that the company's financial profile is "in the best place it has been in 25 years" provides Layden a solid foundation but also sets high performance expectations [1].

This transition appears well-planned with Quigley remaining as strategic advisor and board member until May 2026, allowing for knowledge transfer and relationship continuity with key stakeholders [1]. The board's involvement in a "rigorous search process" indicates this succession was carefully considered rather than reactive [1].

For Kelly, this leadership change comes at a pivotal moment as the company continues its evolution toward higher-margin specialty talent solutions in a rapidly changing labor market landscape [1].

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/KELYA/kelly-announces-selection-of-chris-layden-as-president-and-chief-soeotkx48qqe.html
[2] https://www.investing.com/news/assorted/kelly-names-chris-layden-as-new-ceo-effective-september-2-432SI-4176372