Wray Executive Search Announces Leadership Transition as Kevin Stockslager and Ray Kelley Assume Managing Partner Roles

Tampa, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Wray Executive Search, the leader in restaurant, franchise, foodservice, and hospitality retained executive search, today announced a planned leadership transition designed to support long-term continuity and growth. Current Partners Kevin Stockslager, Ph.D. and Ray Kelley have been named Managing Partners, while longtime CEO and Managing Partner Bob Gershberg will remain involved with the firm in a strategic advisory and key client relationship capacity.

The transition formalizes an established succession plan and reinforces Wray Executive Search’s commitment to uninterrupted service, trusted partnerships, and the high-touch, relationship-driven approach that has defined the firm for more than 50 years.

As a trusted industry partner, Bob’s leadership fueled significant growth, strengthened industry relationships, and positioned the firm as one of the most respected executive search partners for public, multi-unit, and private equity–backed companies.

“Kevin and Ray have been integral to the success and evolution of Wray Executive Search for many years,” said Bob 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.”

About the Managing Partners

Kevin Stockslager, Ph.D.: A Deeply Connected Industry Leader

Kevin has served as Executive Vice President and Partner, leading C-level and senior leadership searches for top restaurant, foodservice, franchise, and hospitality brands. Known for his extensive network and deep industry involvement, he is a frequent attendee at leading conferences including the Restaurant Leadership Conference, ICR, QSR Evolution, Prosper, Prosper Accelerate, and the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference. His background in evaluation, training, and organizational development gives him a distinct advantage in assessing leadership readiness, cultural fit, and long-term performance potential.

Ray Kelley: A Strategist in Executive Talent and Organizational Growth

With more than 25 years of experience in executive search, talent acquisition, and business development, Ray 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.

Strengthening a Proven Legacy

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. 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,” Kevin and Ray 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.”

About Wray Executive Search

For 50 years, Wray Executive Search has specialized in retained executive search and advisory services for the restaurant, franchise, foodservice, and hospitality sectors. The firm partners with organizations ranging from multinational brands to entrepreneurial startups, helping build high-impact leadership teams that accelerate growth and strengthen operational performance. Recognized nationally among the leading restaurant executive recruiters, franchise executive recruiters, and food service executive recruiters, Wray Executive Search combines deep industry specialization with a high-touch, relationship-driven approach.

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