Our History

PERSOL is part of PERSOL Holdings and represents the unified strength of two recruitment industry pioneers across Asia Pacific.

We are a leading workforce solutions provider active across 13 markets, with over 2,000 colleagues working for us. We are currently placing over 65,000 professionals and want to continue expanding our impact in the region.

Market needs vary, so do jobseekers, especially in times of economic uncertainty. To meet those needs and expectations, we offer the full spectrum of workforce solutions. Temporary and permanent placement as well as outsourcing solutions to provide ultimate flexibility for both companies and candidates.

Strong, strategic partnerships with our clients have always been fundamental to our business. We combine physical presence with digital platforms to responsibly enhance the way we work and the services we offer, ensuring we meet recruitment needs with a deeply human-centric approach.

1946

Kelly Services traces back to 1946, founded by William Russell Kelly as "Russell Kelly Office Service" in the U.S.

1970's

In 1973, PERSOL HOLDINGS began as Temp Holdings, founded by Yoshiko Shinohara in Roppongi Japan. It was later rebranded to PERSOL as the industry evolved.

2012

Kelly Services partnered with Temp Holdings to create TS Kelly Workforce Solutions in North Asia (Hong Kong), marking their first collaboration.

2016

On April 8, 2016, they expanded the venture across the Asia-Pacific region, renaming it TS Kelly Asia Pacific and headquartered in Singapore.

2018

In February 2018, the brand was refreshed from TS Kelly Asia Pacific to PERSOLKELLY, aligning operations under one unified name and aiming to triple consultant numbers by 2020.

2021

On April 1, 2021, PERSOLKELLY rolled out a new brand identity (logo, visual design, and messaging) to consolidate all portfolio brands—including Kelly, Capita, First Alliances—under a modern, people‑focused regional brand.

2022

By March 1, 2022, PERSOL had full control (97.5%) of the venture, with Kelly Services maintaining just 2.5% ownership, though the PERSOLKELLY brand name remains. Today, we are headquartered in Singapore, covering over 80 offices in 13 markets across Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, with approximately 2,000 employees placing over 65,000 professionals and partnering with 98% of Fortune 100 companies in the region.

2025

This rebranding year marks a significant milestone as PersolKelly transforms into PERSOL, reflecting the company's strategic evolution and renewed commitment to workforce solutions. As part of this comprehensive rebranding initiative, PERSOL now operates with 72,905 consolidated employees (including temporary and part-time staff) across a robust network of 149 group companies. The organization maintains an extensive domestic presence with 529 group bases throughout the country, while expanding its international footprint across 13 countries and regions overseas, positioning the newly rebranded PERSOL as a global leader in human resources and staffing services.

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