D.Hugo Malan

Hugo Malan is president of Kelly® Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom, an operating segment of Kelly® that powers tomorrow’s innovations with today’s brightest talent. In this role, he leads a team of workforce solutions specialists who partner with leading organizations to position them ahead of industry trends that are shaping their talent needs.

An electronic engineer himself, Hugo brings to his role a unique combination of first-hand specialty expertise, successful executive experiences, and a deep understanding of workforce strategies. As a member of Kelly’s senior leadership team, Hugo reports to President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Quigley. He is among the architects of Kelly’s acquisition of Softworld, the largest acquisition in the company’s history which significantly expanded the scale, specialty expertise, and solution set of Kelly’s technology business.

Prior to joining Kelly in 2020, Hugo served in executive leadership positions at specialty talent companies, as well as in retail, financial services and consulting. From 2016 to 2019, he worked for light industrial staffing firm EmployBridge, serving as president of its Commercial Businesses before being named chief operating officer. From 2014 to 2016, he was executive vice president and president, Talent and Technology Solutions for CDI Corporation, which specializes in IT and engineering staffing and consulting. Prior to that, Hugo was senior vice president and president of operating units for Sears Holdings. Earlier in his career, he was managing director and global head of talent strategy for Lehman Brothers and served as a management consultant with McKinsey & Company. 

Hugo is recognized within the staffing industry and beyond for his visionary leadership and passion for disruptive innovation. In 2021 and 2023, he was named to the Staffing 100 North America, Staffing Industry Analysts’ annual ranking of the most influential leaders in the staffing industry. He also serves as an advisor to several technology startups to which he provides guidance on strategy and development.

Hugo earned a Ph.D. in electrical and electronic engineering from the University of Cambridge (St. John’s College) in the U.K., and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in engineering from Stellenbosch University in South Africa.