It is business as usual at Kelly Services UK and Ireland following John Callagher’s departure, according to interim country general manager Andrew Cook.

Callagher was responsible for Kelly Services UK and Ireland staffing operations and financial recruitment arm, Toner Graham, and Cook’s responsibilities are exactly the same, he told Recruiter.

“When I was recruited 18 months ago [as director of finance], I was specifically brought in to oversee the new structure of Kelly Services UK,” he said. “Therefore the strategy remains the same as John Callagher’s. That is, to focus on lower volume/higher value recruitment and to expand specific divisions to achieve this: Kelly Education and Kelly Search & Selection.”

When asked whether the various management changes would affect market confidence in the company, Cook responded: “The message hasn’t changed even though the management has.

“Hopefully market confidence has been affected but for the better. We’ve now got stronger, more experienced players in the management team. Kelly Services has changed and developed its strategy — we’re not dancing to anyone else’s tune.”

In five years’ time, Cook sees Kelly Services in the UK as being “bigger, more profitable and still offering a relatively niche low-volume high-value offering”.

Asked about his interim role and how long he sees himself in the position, he told Recruiter: “The opportunity came along for me to prove myself. I offered to step up and I’m here to represent a strong team. As long as we deliver, I’m not going to let go of it.”

He added: “Of course, I’ll bow to the stronger man or woman if they come along.”

Andrea Cameron has been promoted to director of finance following Cook’s promotion to replace Callagher.