CHICAGO, Sept. 14, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII), the leadership advisory firm providing Executive Search and Leadership Consulting services worldwide, today announced it recently presented Senior Chairman Gerard R. Roche with its Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the firm and the Executive Search industry.

"Gerry's passion for his work and world-class reputation built on judgment, dedication and integrity has gained him the respect of countless top executives and corporate boards throughout the world. He also has been a key leader within our firm and a mentor to many of our industry's most successful consultants," said L. Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Heidrick & Struggles.

"Gerry has influenced not only our firm, but our entire industry. I'm proud to have worked with and learned from him, and to have the opportunity to recognize his contributions with our firm's highest distinction," said Kelly.

Roche began his career with Heidrick & Struggles in 1964, working directly with the firm's founders John Struggles and Gardner Heidrick. Over the past 48 years, he has identified leaders for thousands of clients and influenced the direction of scores of Fortune 500 firms, placing more CEOs than any other recruiter. Based on his accomplishments, Roche was chosen by his peers as "Recruiter of the Century" in 2000.

He also has held a number of key positions within Heidrick & Struggles, including serving as President and Chief Executive Officer from 1978 to1981 and as a member of the firm's Board of Directors from 1970 until 2009.

"I'm honored to have spent my entire career with Heidrick & Struggles, which has set the standard for serving the top tier of the Executive Search and Leadership Consulting market for nearly 60 years," Roche said.

In addition to his work with clients, Roche is a member of the Board of Safe Water Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to safe water to those most in need. He also is a past board member of the Harvard Divinity School Board and the Wharton Graduate School of Business.

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
         +1 (404) 682.7373
         jnelson@heidrick.com