Kelly Engleka

VP, Search Operations

Kelly Engleka is a 20-year Executive Search veteran with hands-on expertise in research, recruitment, business development, and strategic operations, as well as former management experience with top national retailers.

At Harvard Group International since 2005, Kelly rapidly transitioned from company administrator to recruiting, specializing in engineers and sales executives for clients like Pratt & Whitney, Black & Veatch, and Rolls-Royce Energy. Currently, Vice President of Search Operations at HGI, she brings five years of external business development in the retained search format. With a holistic approach, she touches on all aspects of the business, focusing on growth and performance initiatives, crafting long-term strategies, and executing tactically.

Kelly is experienced in placing executives across various industries, including PE/JV, Finance & Banking, Sports & Entertainment, Nonprofit, Manufacturing, Technology, Semiconductor, and Aviation/Aerospace, with clients such as Unical, Daimler Truck NA, Wingstop, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Carvana, Osaic, Lincoln Avenue Capital, Oncor Electric, Michelin, LexisNexis, and more.

Kelly excels in building trust and relationships, whether marketing to Fortune 500 companies or laying organizational foundations and has a reputation for executing high-priority searches quickly and confidentially. She has built valuable connections with top Fortune 500 executives, by emphasizing authenticity and transparency in today’s workforce. Her international experience includes successful searches in Europe, South America, Canada, and Mexico.

Kelly earned her Bachelor of Arts in English (magna cum laude) with dual minors in Religion and Music from West Virginia Wesleyan College. She is an accomplished athlete, marathon runner, kickboxing champion, and participant in Georgia Powerlifting meets. She is an Atlanta resident with her rescue dog, Blitzen, and has a passion for international travel.