John Kelly
About John Kelly
John Kelly serves as the Head of People at balena, where he has established data-driven practices in Human Resources since 2021. He has extensive experience in various HR roles and has published articles that challenge conventional HR thinking.
Work at Balena
John Kelly serves as the Head of People at Balena, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he has established data-driven practices across various areas of Human Resources, including Organization Design, Talent Acquisition, Compensation/Performance, and Executive Coaching. His leadership focuses on transforming HR practices to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Previous Experience in Human Resources
Prior to his current role, John Kelly accumulated extensive experience in Human Resources across several organizations. He worked as a Senior Human Resources Analyst at Wolters Kluwer from 2013 to 2015, and as a Compensation Analyst at Saks Fifth Avenue from 2012 to 2013. He also held positions at Symphony.com, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, Neuberger Berman, and Canon USA, among others, contributing to his expertise in workforce transformation.
Education and Expertise
John Kelly holds a Master of Science in Human Capital Analytics and Technology from New York University, which he completed between 2019 and 2022. He also earned a Certification in Global Affairs from New York University in 2009. His educational background supports his focus on data-driven HR practices and workforce transformation.
Published Articles and Thought Leadership
John Kelly actively contributes to the HR field through published articles. He challenges conventional HR practices and shares insights on his LinkedIn profile and personal website, compensationscience.wordpress.com, which attracts over 7,000 views annually. His writings reflect his commitment to advancing the HR profession.
Career Development and Skills
Throughout his career, John Kelly has developed a comprehensive skill set in Human Resources. He has experience working with organizations of various sizes and stages, focusing on creating systems that empower employees to make informed decisions. His approach emphasizes intuitive systems rather than prescriptive actions.