CHICAGO, Oct. 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII), the leadership advisory firm providing executive search and leadership consulting services worldwide, is proud to sponsor the launch of the San Diego chapter of WomenCorporateDirectors (WCD). WCD is a global network of powerful and influential women linked to provide a forum for Chairs of Boards, committee chairs and senior directors to discuss issues that arise for companies around the world.

The WCD San Diego Chapter will be launched by Lauren Doliva, Global Head, CHRO Practice, Heidrick & Struggles, Deanna Flores, Principal, KPMG, and Karin Eastham, Director, MorphoSys AG, Geron, Trius Therapeutics, Amylin Pharma, and WCD San Diego Co-chair.  The chapter launch is sponsored by Paul Hastings LLP, represented by Leigh Ryan & Teri O'Brien, Partners.  Heidrick & Struggles and KPMG are Global Founding Partners for WomenCorporateDirectors.

"This launch is an important opportunity for San Diego area women leaders and directors who actively serve on public and private boards to network, collaborate as well as build meaningful connections with counterparts globally and locally, said Lauren Doliva, CHRO Practice, Heidrick & Struggles. "WCD provides a critical platform to discuss best practices and data that will help advance a woman's role on corporate boards everywhere. As a firm, Heidrick and Struggles is proud to share WCD's support and dedication in the boardroom."

"Boosting women's numbers in the boardroom is a major topic of discussion globally, and having a WCD Chapter in San Diego will strengthen this dialogue,"said Deanna Flores, Principal, KPMG. "The opportunities created and knowledge gained for San Diego women directors through WCD's vast network will be invaluable."

WCD San Diego members will join a global network of over 1,600 women directors of over 1,850 public and large privately held companies on six continents. Members share information and insights to ensure best practices in corporate governance around the world.

Global WCD Co-Founder and Co-Chair Susan Stautberg, who will be at the launch, believes that companies need to be bold when contemplating the appointment of women directors. "Boardrooms are feeling the pressure to think differently and women leaders need to be part of the equation to make an impact."

About Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc., (Nasdaq:HSII) is the leadership advisory firm providing executive search and leadership consulting services, including succession planning, executive assessment, talent retention management, executive development, transition consulting for newly appointed executives, and M&A human capital integration consulting. For almost 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 around the world. For more information about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit www.heidrick.com.

About KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. We operate in 146 countries and have 140,000 people working in member firms around the world. Our purpose is to turn knowledge into value for the benefit of our clients, our people, and the capital markets. Our member firms aim to provide clients with a globally consistent set of multidisciplinary financial and accounting services, based on deep industry knowledge. www.kpmg.com.

About WomenCorporateDirectors (WCD)

WomenCorporateDirectors (WCD) is the only global membership organization and community of women corporate directors, comprised of more than 1,600 members serving on over 1,850 boards in 47 chapters around the world. In this new era of responsibility, WCD is committed not just to good governance, but to governance with global vision. Smart boards are going global in members and mindset. Our members share information and insights in order to ensure best practices in corporate governance around the world. WCD offers local, regional, national, and international forums, providing a platform for turning ideas into action. WCD is supported by its Founding Partners, Heidrick & Struggles and KPMG. For more information, visit womencorporatedirectors.com.

CONTACT: Jennifer Nelson
         +1 (404) 682.7373
         jnelson@heidrick.com