A recognised leader in the recruitment industry, Kelly brings extensive experience in scaling businesses, strengthening operational frameworks and driving international expansion.

Through its specialist brands – Circle Foods, Circle Life Sciences and Circle Engineering – Circle delivers talent & consultancy solutions for the food, life sciences and engineering industries.

Speaking to Recruiter about Kelly’s appointment, group managing director Luke McCluskey (right) said: “As the MD of Circle, I’m always striving for more... My goal is to make Circle the best in the industry. That’s why I asked Dean to chair the company. His extensive experience in scaling recruitment businesses, building strong operational frameworks, and driving global expansion makes him the perfect fit.

“Having Dean on board isn’t just about scaling Circle – it’s also about scaling myself as a leader… With Dean’s mentorship, I know I’ll push my limits and develop into an even stronger leader.”

Kelly’s leadership comes at a pivotal time, as Circle prepares to launch its second office in Dublin, Ireland, with ambitious plans to establish a presence in the US, focusing on the FMCG, life sciences and engineering sectors.

Kelly added: “Running a large network of recruitment CEOs and my own enterprises, I receive many requests to be a NED, adviser or chairman, but I have to be selective with my time and commitments. Circle stood out because of its ambition, energy and clear growth potential.”

McCluskey said “with Dean’s leadership, Circle is poised for hypergrowth, international expansion and industry-leading impact”, telling Recruiter he is ready to take his own leadership “to the next level under Dean’s mentorship”.

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