Wray Executive Search Names VP of Recruiting
April 20, 2026 – Wray Executive Search, a provider of executive search and advisory services in the restaurant, foodservice, retail, and franchise industries, has expanded with the addition of Jonathan Kelley as vice president of recruiting. “Jonathan’s energy, responsiveness, and consultative approach align perfectly with how we serve our clients,” said Kevin Stockslager and Ray Kelley, managing partners. “He understands that successful executive search goes beyond filling roles, it’s about building lasting relationships and delivering leaders who drive meaningful impact.”
Mr. Kelley has a strong background in recruiting, sales, and client service, with experience delivering results in fast-paced, relationship-driven environments. Prior to joining Wray Executive Search, he held recruiting roles with Primary Talent Partners. He has experience across full-cycle recruiting, candidate development, and strategic talent alignment, supporting clients across multiple industries.
In his new position with Wray, Mr. Kelley will partner closely with clients to identify, engage, and secure high-impact executive talent across a range of leadership functions. His addition reinforces Wray’s continued investment in expanding its recruiting capabilities and deepening client relationships across its core sectors.
“I’m excited to join Wray Executive Search and be part of a firm with such a strong reputation and legacy in the industry,” Mr. Kelley said. “The opportunity to partner with clients and help them build leadership teams that drive growth and long-term success is incredibly energizing.”
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.
New Managing Partners
Wray recently named Mr. Stockslager and Ray Kelley as managing partners, while longtime CEO and managing partner Bob Gershberg remains involved with the firm in a strategic advisory and key client relationship capacity. “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.”
Related: Wray Executive Search Appoints Managing Partners
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. 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.
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“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.”
“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.”
Related: Wray Executive Search Recruits CEO for Twin Hospitality Group
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
