CHICAGO, July 2, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq:HSII), a premier professional services firm serving the talent and leadership needs of top organizations globally, announced today the appointment of Bill Hudson as a senior advisor to the Trade Association Practice. Hudson will be based in Washington, D.C.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=26299

"Bill's years of experience running a premier trade association will be a tremendous asset to our firm and practice. Bill possesses the skills, judgment, and reputation for excellence that our clients seek," said Julian Ha, Partner and Practice leader of Heidrick & Struggles's Government Affairs and Trade Association practices. "Heidrick & Struggles will be the only major search firm in the market to count a former sitting CEO of a global trade association amongst its ranks. Heidrick & Struggles has a culture of strategic collaboration and Bill's years of global market expertise make for an exciting fit."

Before joining Heidrick & Struggles, Hudson served as President and CEO of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), a partnership of organizations dedicated to the distribution of food commodities worldwide. Under Hudson's leadership, GCCA evolved into a global organization with members in 67 countries and a structure of offices to serve them. Hudson grew GCCA's membership to a position where it represented more than 90% of North America's industry.

Hudson's advisory role will be focused on serving the Trade Association market and collaborating with Boards and CEOs to provide culture shaping, succession planning and recruitment advisory services.  

Hudson will continue his COO position with IMN Solutions, an association and meeting management company located in the DC metro area and as Chairman of the Affiliated Alliance for International Meetings and Commerce.

Hudson holds BA and Law degrees from Louisiana State University and is a member of the Louisiana Bar Association, American Bar Association, and Washington, D.C. Bar Association.  Hudson has also served as a member of the board of the American Society of Association Executives and was the founding chairman of the Foundation for International Meetings. Hudson has been named one of the "Top 50 Trade Association Leaders" by Washingtonian Magazine.

About Heidrick & Struggles:

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII) is a premier provider of senior-level Executive Search, Culture Shaping and Leadership Consulting services. For more than 60 years, we have helped our clients build strong leadership teams through quality service, deep insights and our relationships with talented individuals worldwide. Today, Heidrick & Struggles' leadership experts operate from principal business centers in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. For more information about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit www.heidrick.com.

The photo is also available at Newscom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.

CONTACT: Media Contact: Lia Randazzo
         +1.312.496.1788
         lrandazzo@heidrick.com