CHICAGO, Sept. 17, 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 Cleveland chapter of Women Corporate Directors (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 Cleveland Chapter will be co-chaired by Bonnie Gwin, Vice Chairman and Managing Partner, North America Board of Directors Practice, Heidrick & Struggles, Nicole Hilbert, Partner, KPMG, Kitty Dindo, Independent Director of The J.M. Smucker Company and ALLETE, Inc.  Leslie Dunn, Independent Director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati and Ann Harlan, Independent Director of The Gorman Rupp Company.  Heidrick & Struggles and KPMG are Global Founding Partners for WomenCorporateDirectors.

"As someone who lives in Cleveland, this launch is an exciting and important opportunity for Cleveland women directors to network as well as access global trends and data by connecting to women around the world who also serve on boards," said Gwin. "As a firm, Heidrick & Struggles is proud to share WCD's dedication to diversity in the board room."

"Boosting women's numbers in the boardroom is something we would like to see locally in Cleveland and having a WCD Chapter truly gives our business community an edge," said Nicole Hilbert, Partner, KPMG. "The opportunities created and knowledge gained for Cleveland women directors through WCD's vast network will be invaluable."

WCD Cleveland members will join a global network of over 1,550 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.  "Many boards are in the process of redesigning themselves to better deal with risk, strategy and global competition, but more than one woman is needed on a board 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 WomenCorporateDirectors (WCD)

WomenCorporateDirectors (WCD) is the only global membership organization and community of women corporate directors, comprised of more than 1,550 members serving on over 1,800 boards in 46 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