Keystone Partners acquires The Ayers Group

Keystone Partners, a Boston-based outplacement and leadership development consulting firm, has acquired The Ayers Group, a New York-based HR consultancy, from Kelly Services.

Founded in 1975, The Ayers Group provides solutions in outplacement and transition, executive coaching, and leadership development. The firm has over 100 employees listed on LinkedIn.

The Ayers Group was acquired by Kelly Services in 2006 and then rolled into KellyOCG, the company’s workforce advisory solutions division, in 2020.

Keystone’s acquisition of The Ayers Group will strengthen its ability to deliver career management and leadership transformation solutions in the New York metro area.

"Today more than ever, businesses are seeking partners who can offer a combination of deep expertise, flexibility, and empathy,” said Tim Baldwin, CEO of Keystone Partners. “These are shared values across the Keystone Partners and Ayers organizations."

Founded in 1982, Keystone provides services in team development, executive coaching, leadership development, outplacement, and executive transition services. The firm works with clients across a broad range of industries and functions.

Keystone has over 230 employees nationwide, according to LinkedIn.

"We are excited about this new chapter with Keystone Partners. Our combined resources and shared commitment to excellence and innovation only strengthens our ability to support clients looking to transform their human capital strategies,” said Larry Fisher, VP and practice leader for The Ayers Group.

Keystone, a portfolio company of Silver Oak Services Partners, earlier this year acquired The Center for Executive Coaching (CEC), a Sarasota, FL-based provider of executive coach certification and training.