About Us

Across the globe, our clients work to feed the world and keep it healthy. Likewise, Kincannon & Reed searches the world over to deliver the leaders needed to succeed in this noble mission.

Unlike many “international” search firms, we operate as a single office with multiple locations; no silos separate our staff. Ideas, contacts, and insights are freely exchanged among our principals and researchers around the world. This enterprise-wide collaboration translates into a competitive edge−helping to find clients the best possible candidates no matter where in the world they are located.

Kincannon & Reed was founded by Kelly Kincannon in 1981. Over the ensuing years, the firm developed a path unique in the world of retained search: 1) an exclusive focus on the interrelated realms of food, agribusiness, and the plant and animal sciences; and 2) principals drawn from the ranks of senior executives in the sectors we serve. Today, the global footprint of Kincannon & Reed has expanded to every continent and its growth continues unabated.

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By design, the principals at Kincannon & Reed are successful senior executives from the ranks of organizations within the sectors we serve – agribusiness, food, and the plant and animal sciences. This model, unique to Kincannon & Reed, means you will work with a principal who understands at a personal level – not just an intellectual level – the dynamic environment in which you operate. You’ll experience a unique resonance and get personal insight into what it takes to meet your talent needs in the context of your industry and competitive environment.

Solutions And Expertise

Finding a leader – the impact player who will make the definitive difference in achieving your organization’s goals – requires a tenacious, disciplined approach. It’s not just about searching. Kincannon & Reed has a mindset that seeks to truly understand your needs and culture, leaves no stone unturned, and is committed to a win-win close for clients and candidates alike. That’s how we’ve built a track record of success which is the envy of the industry.

Solutions
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News Briefings

Coming to Work with Higher Leadership Expectations

The virtualization of work has impacted more than the workday. It has impacted every level of business. Importantly, leaders are thinking differently about attracting, developing, and retaining talent. The new work environment has increased the competition for high performing talent. Hiring managers across the food and agriculture industries, for one, are re-designing strategies and thinking through new

Kincannon & Reed Recruits President for the Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils 

After a four month search, executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed has placed Kailee Tkacz Buller as the new president of the Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils (ISEO) in Washington, D.C. ISEO is a trade association representing the refiners of edible fats and oils in the U.S. Managing directors Paul Miller and Michael Cooper led the

Kincannon & Reed Recruits CEO for California Agricultural Leadership Foundation

Executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has placed Dwight Ferguson as the new president and chief executive officer of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), a non-profit public benefit corporation committed to leadership training and transformational learning experiences. The foundation operates the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP), a major leadership development program. Spearheading the assignment for

Kincannon & Reed Expands Search Staff

Waynesboro, VA-based executive search firm Kincannon & Reed has expanded with the addition of Jimmy Paulakuhn as managing director focusing on the talent acquisition needs of its animal agriculture clients. Based in North Carolina, Mr. Paulakuhn brings more than two decades of experience within these markets, including more than six years as director of commercial poultry operations

Press Releases

Rachel Dreskin to Lead the Plant-Based Foods Association as New CEO

(March 2021) Kincannon and Reed’s managing directors, Paul Izenstark and Lisa Johnson congratulate Rachel Dreskin on her recent placement as CEO leading the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA). The Plant-Based Foods Association is the single most important trade organization representing the interests of over 190 plant-based food companies with a goal of building a strong