CHICAGO, May 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII), the leadership advisory firm providing executive search and leadership consulting services worldwide, today announced that Chris Pierce-Cooke has joined the firm as Partner, Leadership Consulting. He is based in the firm's New York office. 

Pierce-Cooke will be responsible for helping build the Leadership Consulting business globally, focusing on strategic business development, consultant recruiting and supporting the firm's larger Leadership Consulting growth strategy.     

"Chris has deep experience with professional service firms in North America, Europe and Australia, as well as a proven track record for achieving growth and success," said Eric Olson Global Practice Managing Partner for Leadership Consulting. "He will play a central role to help execute our vision and create a high-performing, Leadership Consulting Practice globally."

Pierce-Cooke comes to Heidrick & Struggles from Alexander & Ross, a boutique search firm specializing in leadership and organizational consulting searches. As Managing Partner, he was responsible for driving market growth and geographic expansion since 2009.  He began his career as a lawyer specializing in commercial, tax property and litigation before moving into business. Pierce-Cooke spent 13 years at British Aerospace (now BAE Systems) in various leadership positions and locations before joining the strategy consulting firm of Gibson Marlow as a Partner. He also has led Westpac Banking Corporation's Human Resources organization and served as COO of both Broderick & Company and Baker & McKenzie.

Pierce-Cooke studied law at the College of Law in London and has a bachelor's degree from University College Wales.

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 globally. For more information about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit www.heidrick.com

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