William Blair has named Amber Kennelly as chief human resources officer.

FREMONT, CA: "I am thrilled to join William Blair, a firm whose reputation for delivering impeccable client service is well-known throughout the financial services industry," states Kennelly. William Blair, the preeminent worldwide boutique specializing in investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management, has hired Amber Kennelly, chief human resources officer (CHRO). Kennelly will join the leadership team at William Blair and handle the company's human resources skills.

“I look forward to collaborating with the senior leadership team and individuals across the firm to expand William Blair’s innovative solutions that encourage employee passion, wellness, and engagement,” adds Blair.

“As we strive to seek excellence in everything we do and elevate the impact we make for our clients and our communities, our people will always be our greatest asset,” says Beth Satterfield, William Blair’s chief operating officer. “As CHRO, Amber will play a pivotal role in an exciting phase of our firm’s growth.”

Kennelly, located in Chicago, is responsible for ensuring that William Blair utilizes best-in-class HR strategies, programs, and processes; this includes reviewing the company's current services and planning and implementing new initiatives. Kennelly will be in charge of the company's compensation and benefits packages, employee learning and development programs, talent acquisition activities, client relationship, diversity and inclusion initiatives, HR information systems, and succession plans. She will primarily focus on enhancing the firm's partnership culture and employee engagement, two of William Blair's critical competitive advantages.

Kennelly has designed, executed, and led programs in all facets of human capital management during her 20-year career. She most recently owned the position of chief human resources officer at HUB International, overseeing all core HR strategies, initiatives, and procedures for over 15,000 workers. Before joining HUB, Kennelly was vice president of compensation and benefits at Allstate Insurance Company. She also held various senior human resources positions, including vice president of Allstate subsidiary Esurance. She has also held accounting positions at Deloitte & Touche and Jones Lang LaSalle. Her master's degree is from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, while her undergraduate degree is from the University of Illinois' College of Accountancy with honors. She is also a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Compensation Professional.