Kincannon & Reed Announces Leadership Changes
January 10, 2024 – Executive recruitment firm Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, has started the year with some leadership changes. After four years of dedicated service as the president of Kincannon & Reed, managing partner David Turner will assume the role of chairman of the board. “This transition is a carefully considered step that aligns with Kincannon & Reed’s long-term vision and underscores the overall commitment to sustained success,” the search firm said.
As chairman, Mr. Turner’s focus will be on providing strategic guidance, fostering innovation, and supporting the leadership team. The firm also explains that he will also be serving clients understanding their human capital needs and working to develop strategies that identify, attract and align leaders with growing organizations. “I am confident that this transition will bring new perspectives to the leadership team and will strengthen our ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities, while continuing a 40 plus year legacy of recruiting leaders to organizations that feed the world,” said Mr. Turner.
Stephanie Liska has been named as president. “Liska has been an integral part of Kincannon & Reed’s marketing and business development initiatives,” said Mr. Turner. “She understands the services industry and most importantly knows how important the right leadership with the right organizations is to the future of the food and ag industries.”
Ms. Liska’s career has spanned more than 30 years in a variety of functional roles including sales, marketing, management, and consulting across the food and ag industries, resulting in a vast network and diverse industry experience. She served as the president and CEO of Beck Ag for two decades before joining Kincannon & Reed and previously held roles with ABG, Inc. and American Cyanamid Company.
Kelly Griffin becomes Kincannon & Reed’s senior vice president of operations taking on organizational operations responsibilities. “Griffin is an integral part of the leadership team who has brought innovation and many improvements to Kincannon & Reeds in her short tenure,” said Mr. Turner.
Leading Kincannon & Reed’s global team of industry-focused executive search professionals, Ms. Griffin has more than 20 years of experience in knowledge management and retained search operations. She has supported global C-suite searches across several industries spanning North America and APAC.
Ms. Griffin brings experience from her roles in Spencer Stuart as director, central research – North America; senior manager, central research – Asia-Pacific; leader, WestPlex Research and research specialist.
Related: Kincannon & Reed Recruits VP of HR for Highline Mushrooms
Founded in 1981, Kincannon & Reed serves clients throughout the world from locations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The firm is based in Arlington, VA. Kincannon & Reed’s mission is: “We recruit leaders for organizations that feed the world and keep it healthy.”
Recent Growth
Kincannon & Reed recently added Patrick Fitzgerald as a new managing director. His background in the value chain includes numerous roles with Kraft Heinz and ConAgra Brands as well as Glanbia Performance Nutrition. He most recently provided C-suite leadership consultation as a member of EY’s People advisory services.
Kincannon & Reed Recruits President and COO for Clarkson Grain Company
Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences, recently placed Kevin Pray as the organization’s new president and chief operating officer of Clarkson Grain Company. The assignment was led by managing partner John Wright and managing director Carolyn Schubert. “A seasoned ag professional, Kevin’s strong background in both commercial and operational roles gives him a unique perspective on the business and the sector,” Ms. Schubert said. “His innate ability to think strategically and connect dots others miss make him a great fit for the role at Clarkson Grain Company.”
“Our clients and prospective candidates alike will benefit greatly from working with Patrick,” said Mr. Turner. “His insights to team dynamics, talent development, and the impact of company culture on strategic growth will prove tremendously beneficial during the search process. We are thrilled to have Patrick on the K&R team.”
Kincannon & Reed also recently added Philippe Huet as a managing director. Based in the Netherlands, he brings nearly three decades of leadership experience across the agriculture, food and feed industries. Mr. Huet previously held executive roles with global agribusiness companies including Cargill, COFCO International, and as an executive board member for Tereos.
“Talent and organizational design are crucial factors when translating strategy into results,” Mr. Huet said. “The experience I have in hiring and developing leaders throughout my career helps me accurately assess candidates to ensure the optimal fit is found for our clients.”
Related: Kincannon & Reed Places Two Top Leaders for AgReliant Genetics
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
