MADRID, Spain May 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heidrick & Struggles today announced that renowned healthcare expert Dr. Jorge Barbat has joined the firm as a partner within the Global Life Sciences practice. Barbat, who specializes in advising clients on complex talent strategies, will be based in Madrid.

"Across three continents and more than 20 years of healthcare expertise, Jorge brings a practical approach and is a leader how has worked with global organizations of all shapes and sizes," said Luis Urbano, Regional Managing Partner for Heidrick & Struggles Europe and Africa.

A leading healthcare and biopharmaceutical talent expert, Barbat has advised top firms and Board of Directors of companies such as Agrolimen, Almirall and Uriach on corporate governance issues and global talent demands.

"Jorge's arrival strengthens our Global Life Sciences platform within the European market, enabling us to strengthen and drive additional business," said Urbano.

Previously, he was the General Manager of a global executive search firm in Spain. During his 14 years with that firm, he developed global integration and C-level assessments for companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Amgen, and co-authored the book Portraits of Leadership (McGraw Hill).

Barbat also has held several executive positions within the healthcare industry, including University Hospital, Jiménez Díaz Foundation, a private clinic in Madrid and the Blood Bank of Barcelona, the largest blood bank in Spain. There he served as a resident physician and was a specialist in Preventive Medicine and Public Health.

Additionally, Barbat received his Master's degree from Yale University and was a Fulbright Scholar. He also earned a Graduate degree from ESADE in Hospital Management and received his Degree in Medicine and Surgery with first-class honors from Central University in Barcelona.

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.

CONTACT: Media Contact: Lia L. Randazzo
         312.496.1788, lrandazzo@heidrick.com