Kelly Services Inc., the seventh-largest recruitment firm in the world, announced President and CEO Carl Camden will retire effective 10 May, immediately prior to the company’s annual meeting of shareholders. Camden informed the board of his decision on 11 April.

Executive VP and COO George Corona will take over as president and CEO effective 11 May.

Camden, who earned a doctorate degree by age 25, is leaving the company to pursue opportunities in public service and has been named a finalist for the role of president at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.

He is also included in Staffing Industry Analysts’ Staffing 100 list of influential people in the staffing industry.

Camden joined Kelly Services in 1995 and has served in his current role since 2006. Early in his career, he was instrumental in securing Kelly’s first centralized large account. Under his guidance, Kelly expanded its relationships with Fortune 500 clients; Kelly’s outsourcing and consulting group, KellyOCG, emerged as a talent supply chain provider; and the company won several large managed service provider contracts. In addition, Kelly developed its supplier diversity program, expanded Kelly Educational Staffing and established and expanded joint ventures with Japan-based Temp Holdings.

 “The board appreciates Carl’s leadership in building a dynamic enterprise that has remained unwavering in its commitment to clients and its advocacy for industry progress,” said Don Parfet, lead independent director of Kelly’s board. “We wish him every success as he pursues the next chapter of his career. Looking ahead, we congratulate George Corona on his new role and are confident he will continue to move the company forward.”

Corona became Kelly’s fourth COO in January 2009, assuming responsibility for the company’s global operations. He joined Kelly in 1994 and rose through the ranks of the company, eventually serving as Kelly’s executive VP and general manager – Americas, before becoming COO. Corona has been responsible for all of the company’s regions and operating units. Prior to joining Kelly, he held management roles at Digital Equipment Professional Services Group and Burroughs Corp.

“Kelly has had a succession plan firmly in place, and the board unanimously endorses George as he steps into the president and CEO role,” said Terry Adderley, executive chairman and chairman of the board. “We are fortunate to have had his results-focused leadership throughout his 23 years at Kelly, and I look forward to his continued contributions.”