In June 2026, Kryterion’s parent company, Drake International, celebrates its 75th anniversary. In an industry that is constantly evolving, 75 years of staying power is a testament to trust, reliability, and a commitment to innovation.
Long before testing and advanced talent analytics were industry standards, Drake was already shaping the future of the workforce. Today, through its ownership of Kryterion, that legacy continues. Together, Drake and Kryterion serve the entire global talent ecosystem, driven by a single guiding principle: matching people to possibility.
Here is a look at what makes Drake International a unique force in the human capital landscape, and what this 75-year legacy means for the clients and candidates we serve today.
Who is Drake International?
Founded in 1951, Drake International is a leader in global talent management and workforce advisory solutions. Bill Pollock, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, was the youngest of nine children, raised by his mother and sisters. Their strength, work ethic, and determination shaped how he saw the world. When he founded Office Overload in Winnipeg, Canada — now Drake International — his sisters were among his first employees.
Bill was always one step ahead. Before most organizations considered workforce advancement, he was already creating opportunities. He not only brought women into the workforce, he built his business around them. As professional sales and client service roles were emerging, Bill placed women on the front lines with clients. He quickly recognized that they excelled at asking thoughtful questions, listening carefully, and building relationships.
This approach became the foundation of Drake’s world-renowned enterprise white-glove customer service — a standard that set the company apart and helped it grow internationally.
From pioneering the staffing industry 75 years ago to launching testing capabilities in 1990 (first with Drake Prometric and later through Kryterion), Drake has always been an industry leader, not a follower.
Today, Drake operates in 14 countries, supported by a partner network spanning 128 countries. In an era dominated by headlines about artificial intelligence replacing jobs, Drake takes a deliberately different approach by using technology and AI as powerful enablers to enhance and not replace the human element.
This global ecosystem thinking intentionally connects opportunity, learning, certification, and employability. Leveraging 75 years of real-world experience, Drake and Kryterion are accelerating:
- Purpose-driven and people-centric design
- Certification value through deep employer alignment
- Long-term industry stewardship made possible by private ownership
The Drake Portfolio of Solutions
Drake’s tailored services improve operational efficiency and optimize human resources to deliver measurable business outcomes, such as reduced turnover, enhanced engagement, and improved productivity. The core offerings include:
- HR Advisory Services
- Workforce Solutions: Permanent recruitment, flexible, and on-site staffing
- Assessments & Credentialing: Psychometric, behavioral, and skill testing
- Training and Education
- Health and Wellbeing Services
The Drake and Kryterion Connection
Kryterion is proudly owned by Drake International, and the organizations share a foundation of common values. Both prioritize partnering directly with clients to build customized solutions for specific business challenges.
A major differentiator in today’s market is private ownership. Kryterion and Drake are not owned by a private equity or venture capital firm. As such, they are fully accountable to their clients, not outside shareholders.
The Full Talent Lifecycle
By integrating their expertise, Drake and Kryterion provide services across the entire talent lifecycle for both organizations and individuals. This end-to-end ecosystem includes:
- Advanced assessment services: Test development, delivery, and psychometrics
- Flexible proctoring: Available whenever and wherever needed, both online and on-ground
- Human capital integration: Tailored solutions bridging staffing, recruitment, certification, and workplace wellbeing
Combining strong learning and educational pathways with better testing allows candidates to earn certifications smoothly, which ultimately helps them find a new job or advance in their current career.
A Purpose-Driven Legacy
What truly sets Drake apart isn’t just its longevity. It’s a commitment to being a force for good. For 75 years, the organization has actively served its local communities by providing education and work opportunities to high-potential, high-needs individuals.
Drake’s approach transforms passive empathy into active solutions. By prioritizing social impact and philanthropy over pure profit, Drake builds deep trust and loyalty. Choosing to partner with Drake and Kryterion means choosing an organization that builds technology to serve the people, not just the bottom line.
Leadership at the Helm: Karen Meredith
Driving this global vision is Karen Meredith, Global CEO. Karen is a seasoned executive and passionate community builder with over 30 years of experience across talent management, healthcare, and education.
Karen’s two decades with Drake and its associated companies have seen her lead operations across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, Monaco, the US, and Canada. Beyond her corporate leadership, Karen has launched and grown successful social enterprises, including:
- Circle 21: A non-profit organization dedicated to transforming support for individuals with Down syndrome
- Blueballoon Health Services: Now part of TELUS Health, offering multidisciplinary care for children with developmental disabilities
Under Karen’s leadership, Drake and Kryterion are surely in good hands.
As Drake International crosses the 75-year mark, the organization remains focused on the future. Alongside Kryterion, Drake continues to prove that when you prioritize people, purpose, and long-term stewardship, the possibilities are limitless. Here’s to Drake International on achieving this major milestone and to an even brighter future.
About Kryterion Inc.
Kryterion Inc. is a global leader in innovative testing and credentialing solutions. We help organizations across various sectors develop and manage their assessments with our advanced test development platform and multi-modal delivery solutions. Established in 2001 Kryterion offers secure and integrated services along with extensive support. This empowers candidates to demonstrate skills and achieve success in world class careers.
