CHICAGO, March 30, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII), the world's premier executive search and leadership consulting firm, today announced that it has hired John S. Wood to serve as Vice Chairman and Managing Partner of the firm's newly combined global CEO and Board practice, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer L. Kevin Kelly.

"John has a proven track record and reputation for conducting some of the most high profile CEO and board level searches in the business," said Chief Executive Officer L. Kevin Kelly. "Given the current economic crisis, John's experience and knowledge will be critical to helping our clients find the right talent and leadership needed to effectively manage businesses in these most challenging times."

"I am extremely pleased to be joining Heidrick & Struggles at such an exciting time for our industry," said Wood. "The role of CEO is being looked upon with increased scrutiny by the public and regulators. In addition, boards of directors are facing a similar situation and have more oversight than ever before. As a result, the role of the executive search firm is becoming increasingly important in helping clients manage through their key leadership issues."

As part of his current role, Wood will also be working closely with senior management to integrate the firm's full suite of leadership consulting services, creating a complete offering in one practice that helps clients manage their leadership assets from the acquisition of talent through executive search to providing counsel in areas that include succession planning, executive compensation, and board assessment, policy and practice design.

"From CEO succession planning to the impact of recent TARP executive compensation restrictions, our clients need a partner that can provide them with not only the best executive search services in the world but also strong, accurate and concrete recommendations that will help them make decisions that are essential to the health and future of their businesses," continued Kelly. "Under this structure, we will be able to fully leverage the synergies that already existed between our CEO and board practices as well as integrate our leadership advisory offerings for our clients."

With over 15 years of executive search consulting experience, Wood has an extensive track record of directly completing nearly 200 chief executive officer and board director searches for a broad range of international corporations. Wood joins Heidrick & Struggles from Spencer Stuart where he was a core member of the Chief Executive Officer and Board Services practices. During his tenure at the firm, Wood has also focused on Consumer Goods & Services and Private Equity. Prior to that, he held senior management positions at Grey Advertising, now the Grey Group, and Foote Cone & Belding. Wood holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and an MBA from University of Oregon.

"The Heidrick & Struggles brand has been built on our ability to execute on top-level assignments and counsel CEOs and board members on the complex issues directly impacting their businesses," said Gerard Roche, Senior Chairman. "John's reputation as a leader in this industry and his ability to strengthen, organize and support this practice will be critical to the firm's ongoing success."

About Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. is the world's premier provider of senior-level executive search and leadership consulting services, including talent management, board building, executive on-boarding and M&A effectiveness. For more than 50 years, we have focused on quality service and built strong leadership teams through our relationships with clients and individuals worldwide. Today, Heidrick & Struggles leadership experts operate from principal business centers in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. For more information about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit www.heidrick.com.

CONTACT:  Edelman
          Melissa Kanter
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