CHICAGO, March 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Heidrick & Struggles (NASDAQ: HSII), the premier provider of executive search, leadership consulting and culture shaping worldwide, today announced that Catherine Lepard has assumed the role as head of the Americas Retail Practice. 

"Catherine brings judgment, energy and a strong track record of results into her new leadership role.  She is absolutely hands-on when working with clients to find high-impact and culturally in-tune leaders to accelerate an organization's performance," said Tom Snyder, Global Practice Managing Partner for the Consumer Markets Practice at Heidrick & Struggles.

"In today's hyperconnected multi-unit retail environment there are numerous challenges facing leaders today. Catherine brings a keen focus to understanding the customer, operational excellence, and the complexity of supply chain and cybersecurity in a digital age," said Snyder. 

With more than 20 years of experience working on the front lines with leaders in the retail sector, Catherine focuses on helping her clients create the high performing teams they need to accelerate change and drive performance.   Her work includes partnering with Boards and CEOs to conduct targeted talent benchmarking across industries and geographies.

Prior to joining Heidrick & Struggles 11 years ago, Lepard was a partner with a major North American boutique firm, where she specialized in the consumer industry, serving clients in the retail, consumer products, hospitality, and leisure sectors.

Lepard's early career experience focused on international merger and acquisition activities at a consulting firm serving Fortune 500 and venture capital-financed companies.

She received her bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Toronto.

About Heidrick & Struggles:

Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII) serves the executive talent and leadership needs of the world's top organizations as a premier provider of leadership consulting, culture shaping and senior-level executive search services. Heidrick & Struggles pioneered the profession of executive search more than 60 years ago. Today, the firm serves as a trusted advisor, providing integrated leadership solutions and helping its clients change the world, one leadership team at a time. www.heidrick.com

H&S Media Contact:
Lia Randazzo – +1 312.731.4003     
lrandazzo@heidrick.com

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SOURCE Heidrick & Struggles