Wray Executive Search Appoints Partners
January 30, 2023 – Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, has named Ray Kelley and Rebecca Patt as partners. Mr. Kelley and Ms. Patt will be responsible for growing Wray’s executive search operations across North America, continuing to build a dedicated recruitment team, and driving the implementation of technology to enhance client services. “We are truly delighted to have Rebecca and Ray become partners following their exceedingly successful tenures at Wray Executive Search,” said Bob Gershberg, CEO and managing partner. “They have been an integral part of the firm’s growth and laser focus on client needs. Their experience and relationships established over the years will serve them well as we continue to grow our practice, set exceptional standards, and expand our capabilities.”
Mr. Kelley joined Wray Executive Search in 2016 and has been instrumental in building relationships with the next generation of industry leaders, providing executive search and advisory services to partners. He is a resource to growing companies to recruit C-level, vice presidents, and directors for both domestic and international locations. Mr. Kelley has over 20 years of recruiting and business development experience in the physician recruiting and IT recruiting industries. He has led recruiting teams to recruit and retain senior level talent for Fortune 100 companies such as IBM, Intel, and Cisco while also helping fuel the growth during the early years of companies like Akamai Technology, Mathworks, and Qualcomm.
“It has been a wonderful journey working here at Wray Executive Search,” said Mr. Kelley. “Our goal has always been to provide incomparable value to our clients and stakeholders, and I’m proud to be a part of an outstanding team of dedicated and talented professionals.”
Ms. Patt joined Wray Executive Search in 2004, working directly with founder Dick Wray. She helps top companies recruit elite talent including C-level, vice presidents, and directors for both domestic and international locations. Ms. Patt has completed searches for clients across every discipline within the restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industries and she will continue to support clients nationwide.
“I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of Wray Executive Search now and in the future,” said Ms. Patt. “It is a joy and a privilege to do this work and an honor to be a part of Wray Executive Search.”
Veteran Search Consultants
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.
Wray Executive Search Opens New Office in Miami
Wray Executive Search has opened a new office in Miami. Rebecca Patt, who brings 18 years of executive search experience with Wray as senior vice president, will lead the Miami office. “Rebecca has and continues to be a major part of the fabric of our firm as well as that of the restaurant, food service and hospitality industry,” said Bob Gershberg, managing partner and CEO of Wray Executive Search. “She has come to be known as the best recruiter in the business, a well-deserved accolade. We are thrilled to have Rebecca lead the charge at our newest national office in Miami.”
Mr. Gershberg has been a driving force behind the brand for over a decade. He specializes in searches for C-level positions, functional leadership roles, and M&A integration. Mr. Gershberg has extensive knowledge and experience in restaurant, food service, retail, and consumer industries, and has successfully completed assignments in finance, human resources, IT, supply chain, real estate, franchising, operations, and marketing.
Related: Wray Executive Search Appoints Partner
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
