The former head of the New York Police Department is set to join other former government officials at K2 Intelligence, where he has been named vice chairman.
Kelly, now 74 years old will be responsible for helping with strategy, crisis management and counseling executives. He previously served as police commissioner from 1991-1993 and 2002-2013, writes Mike Vilensky for The Wall Street Journal.
Kelly joins other former government officials at K2 Intelligence
K2 Intelligence has offices in New York and around the world, and Kelly’s experience in managing terror risks following 9/11 will be put to use in the private sector, according to CEO Jeremy Kroll. Those with a background in law enforcement “understand the bad actors,” said Kroll. “They understand where threats emanate from.”
Mr Kroll’s father, Jules E. Kroll, who founded K2 Intelligence with his son in 2009, called Kelly “the greatest public servant of my generation.” A number of former government officials have joined the company in recent years, including state and federal prosecutors as well as FBI agents.
Their value is derived from their exposure “to technology at an early stage,” said Robert Brenner, the company’s chief operating officer. “An advantage of hiring some of these people right out of government is they give us a heads up…and an ability to get access to [that technology].”
A new challenge for well-respected Kelly
When asked about what differentiates public- and private-sector work, Kelly jokingly said “money.” His salary as police chief was around $200,000 per year, but K2 Intelligence did not reveal how much he would be paid in his new position.
K2 Intelligence has been involved in asset-recovery efforts for the victims of Bernard Madoff and his infamous Ponzi scheme, and has also assisted the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption, a state anticorruption panel.
Other recent work includes investigations for gun-control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety, which is supported by former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg. Prior to taking up the position at K2, Kelly had been managing a risk management unit for commercial real estate group Cushman & Wakefield.
“We wish him the best of luck on this next chapter in his amazing career,” said a spokesman for the company.
Kelly is often touted as a future mayoral candidate, and did not rule out a run. “Never say never,” he said.
