Kelly Services under Sean Perry embraces a tech transformation

In a strategic move towards modernization, Kelly Services embarked on a comprehensive technological overhaul under the leadership of Sean Perry, its Chief Information Officer. This initiative began in early 2024, notably marked by the company’s acquisition of Motion Recruitment, which showcased a forward-thinking tech stack and enhanced system integration. Perry, who has honed his skills for over 15 years in executive technology roles, emphasized that keeping pace with rapid technological changes is crucial for the company’s success. Under his guidance, Kelly aims to update its legacy systems while ensuring that the integration of new technologies does not compromise its core mission of making work accessible and fulfilling. Kelly's reach into modern technology encompasses the integration of applicant tracking systems, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Perry highlighted the importance of making long-term decisions in this fast-evolving environment, recognizing that the tools that served the company well in the past may no longer be effective or efficient today. His vision is that the technology should assist employees seamlessly without creating extra burdens, such as having to navigate cumbersome systems or conduct repetitive tasks, like copying and pasting information across platforms. One innovative component of this modernization strategy is the establishment of the AI Council. This council takes a structured approach to integrating artificial intelligence into Kelly’s operations, focusing on legal compliance, scouting external opportunities, and refining internal processes. Under this initiative, the AI interface named Grace was developed, allowing employees to interact with AI tools easily without needing separate accounts, fostering experimentation and innovation within the firm. The ongoing work is aimed at embedding AI functionalities into existing tools such as Bullhorn and Workday to enhance user experience and operational efficiency. Sean Perry's previous experiences, including a lengthy tenure as CIO at Robert Half International and time spent at Amazon, have informed his proactive focus on leveraging artificial intelligence to drive productivity. As the landscape of work continues to change, Perry remains optimistic about the possibilities that AI brings. He notes that some developers can create full-stack AI solutions rapidly, while others navigate challenges with AI-assisted coding. Ultimately, Perry's ambition aligns with the evolution of contextual AI, striving to make such technology an immediate and accessible resource for all employees across Kelly Services.