CHICAGO, Oct. 2, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII), the leadership advisory firm providing executive search and leadership consulting services worldwide, today announced the launch of its Big Data & Analytics Practice. One of the leading strategic data trends of the decade, the big data and analytics market landscape is broad and includes hardware and software, as well as data analytics, distribution, management and visualization. The Big Data & Analytics Practice is positioned to meet client needs beyond a traditional single-industry mindset to encompass a broad talent perspective across industry and functional practices.

"Our clients have told us that there is a dire shortage of executives who understand how the application of technology can move their business," said Krishnan Rajagopalan, Managing Partner, Global Technology & Services Practice. "Our team of industry experts has deep knowledge of the talent in this space. Combine this knowledge with the firm's strategic leadership consulting expertise, and you have a dynamic blend of counsel that no one else can match in the marketplace."

Companies across a variety of industries from financial services, consumer and retail to pharmaceutical and academic institutions want to attract and develop leaders in new and emerging roles such as chief data officers, managing directors of analytics and heads of data and information services – critical in today's global business landscape. As organizations look to fill these newly defined boxes, a true war for talent has been sparked within a relatively unmapped talent pool. The Big Data & Analytics Practice has already built a world class knowledge base to counsel and assist clients with their talent needs.

"We are the only major global firm with a Big Data & Analytics Practice and have already completed more than 60 assignments in the past 18 months," added Rajagopalan.  "This momentum clearly indicates the emphasis organizations are placing on finding the right leaders – companies want to bring in world class talent to connect data strategy to business strategy, with the ultimate goal of growing their business. Heidrick & Struggles helps clients understand what leadership they need to deliver on their future strategy."

To learn more about the Big Data & Analytics Practice, please visit www.heidrick.com.

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.

CONTACT: Jennifer Nelson
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         jnelson@heidrick.com