Wray Executive Search Appoints Managing Partners
January 6, 2026 – Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, has announced a planned leadership transition designed to support long-term continuity and growth. Current partners Kevin Stockslager and Ray Kelley have been named managing partners, while longtime CEO and managing partner Bob Gershberg will remain involved with the firm in a strategic advisory and key client relationship capacity.
The firm noted that the transition formalizes an established succession plan and reinforces Wray Executive Search’s commitment to uninterrupted service, trusted partnerships, and the high-touch, relationship-driven approach that has defined the firm for more than 50 years.
“Kevin and Ray have been integral to the success and evolution of Wray Executive Search for many years,” said Mr. Gershberg. “As I step back from day-to-day leadership, I’m proud to continue supporting the firm in a senior advisory role and confident that its future leadership is in excellent hands. Their integrity, experience, and deep industry relationships make them the right leaders for the next chapter.”
Dr. Stockslager has served as executive vice president and partner, leading C-level and senior leadership searches for top restaurant, foodservice, franchise, and hospitality brands. Known for his extensive network and deep industry involvement, he is a frequent attendee at leading conferences including the Restaurant Leadership Conference, ICR, QSR Evolution, Prosper, Prosper Accelerate, and the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference. His background in evaluation, training, and organizational development gives him a distinct advantage in assessing leadership readiness, cultural fit, and long-term performance potential.
With more than 25 years of experience in executive search, talent acquisition, and business development, Mr. Kelley brings a strategic, insight-driven approach to leadership recruitment. He specializes in retained C-level search, functional leadership roles, and executive integration for private equity–backed and high-growth companies. His experience spans restaurant, hospitality, retail, consumer goods, supply chain, healthcare, and technology, equipping him to support organizations navigating expansion, transformation, and M&A activity.
“Kevin and Ray will continue to advance Wray Executive Search’s mission: aligning organizations with leaders who possess the right blend of experience, capability, and cultural fit to drive long-term success,” the firm said. “Together, they bring complementary strengths that reinforce the firm’s standing as a premier partner among restaurant, foodservice, franchise, and hospitality executive recruiters across the industry.”
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“We are humbled to continue the extraordinary legacy of Wray Executive Search and energized by the opportunity ahead,” Dr. Stockslager and Mr. Kelley said in a joint statement. “For decades, this firm has been the trusted authority in executive recruitment for restaurant, foodservice, franchise, and hospitality organizations. As managing partners, we are committed to honoring that legacy while expanding our capabilities, deepening our industry partnerships, and delivering the leadership solutions our clients need to navigate what’s next.”
Serving Clients for Over 50 Years
For 50 years Wray Executive Search has provided executive search and advisory services, recruiting leadership teams for many of the nation’s top restaurant, foodservice, hospitality, franchise, and retail companies. Wray is a purpose-driven executive search firm and human capital advisory, specializing in C-level, senior executive and functional leadership search. The firm is headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL.
Mr. Gershberg has been a driving force behind the brand for over a decade. Mr. Gershberg joined the company in 2004 as executive vice president to help lead the growth of the boutique search firm. In 2005, he became a partner, and in 2009, he was named CEO and managing partner. Mr. Gershberg specializes in searches for C-level positions, functional leadership roles, and M&A integration. He has extensive knowledge and experience in restaurant, food service, retail and consumer industries and has completed assignments in finance, human resources, IT, supply chain, real estate, franchising, operations, and marketing.
Mr. Gershberg is strategic partner and develops and implements human capital strategies for emerging restaurant concepts to billion-dollar brands. Prior to Wray Executive Search, Mr. Gershberg founded various successful QSR and fast casual chains and served as the CEO of a dominant multi-state bakery café chain. He plays an active role on board of directors, works with non-profit organizations, and is a frequent guest lecturer at universities across the country. Mr. Gershberg splits his time between the New York and St. Petersburg, FL offices.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
