HOUSTON, Oct. 31, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heidrick & Struggles International (Nasdaq:HSII), the premier professional services firm focused on serving the leadership needs of top organizations globally, is pleased to announce two key leadership appointments within the firm's Natural Resources Practice.

Chad Hesters returns to the firm as the Head of Natural Resources for the Americas. Based in Houston, he has extensive knowledge of the natural resources industry, as well as sector expertise in construction, oil and gas, midstream and engineering. In addition to his leadership role, Hesters will also interface closely with the Financial Officers and CEO and Board of Directors practices.

This Summer, Mark Livingston, an eight-year veteran of the firm, was named Global Managing Partner of the Natural Resources Practice overseeing oil and gas, chemicals, metals and mining, agriculture and bio-based materials. Mark also serves within the CEO and Board of Directors, Private Equity, Venture Capital and Financial Officers practices. He is also based in Houston.

"Chad played a significant role in growing the firm's Energy practice in Houston and around the globe. So after six months in an industry role, we are thrilled that he decided to return to executive search, and moreover, that he chose to continue and further his career at Heidrick & Struggles," said Les Csorba, Partner In Charge, Houston.

Daren Kemp, global practice managing partner of the Industrial Practice, added, "We work with diverse, complex organizations around the world from startups to multibillion dollar market companies. Mark and Chad's leadership will no doubt provide our clients with the most comprehensive counsel to further strengthen our endeavors regionally and globally."

Under Livingston's leadership, the Natural Resources Practice continues to build on its successes, working to add additional capacity in key centers for Oil and Gas, Metals and Mining and Chemicals such as London, Houston, Calgary, Australia and Germany. "Focusing on our presence to support global clients across the Natural Resources chain is critical to the partnership and counsel we provide. With a strong team of consultants in Moscow, Sao Paulo, Melbourne, Dubai, Houston and London, we deliver great results for our clients every day. Expanding this team and creating even stronger linkages to our outstanding colleagues in South Africa, Singapore, India and South Korea will no doubt lead us to be known as the premier practice in the talent industry," added Livingston.

About Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII) is the premier provider of senior-level Executive Search, Culture Shaping and Leadership Consulting services. For 60 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: Jennifer Nelson
         +1 (404) 682.7373
         jnelson@heidrick.com