Kelly Kay

Kelly O Kay is a partner in Heidrick & Struggles’ San Francisco and New York City offices, serving technology clients across key markets, including the greater Seattle area. He is the global managing partner of the Enterprise Software & AI Practice and a member of the global Technology & Services Practice management team. Kelly cofounded the Sales & Commercial Officers Practice and is a go-to-market specialist for leading technology companies worldwide. Kelly has authored numerous articles, including “3 Mistakes Executives Make When Telling People that They’re Leaving” and “If You’re About to Take a New Job, Should You Consider Your Boss’s Counteroffer?” in Harvard Business Review. He has been interviewed by major publications, including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and SiriusXM, and was a featured guest on the “Changing Role of the CRO” podcast. Kelly is co-author, with Jeffrey Sanders, of the forthcoming Harvard Business Press book, “Show Up to Win.”

Latest Articles by Kelly O Kay

  1. board role

    30 July, 2026

    How to engage with outreach

    When board opportunities knock, should you answer the door? Here are tips from a new book on landing the best leadership role for you.