Recruiting in China

Sydney, (ANTARA News/Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet) - Heidrick & Struggles increased its net revenue by 58.8 per cent in the Asia Pacific region last year, driven by continuing high demand for leadership advisory and executive search services.

Net revenue for APAC was $US78.6 million. Operating income of $US15.9 million increased 20.1 per cent compared with 2006 and the operating margin was 20.3 per cent, compared with 26.8 per cent in 2006 as the firm invested in infrastructure to support its expansion.

Regional managing partner Gerry Davis says that Australia New Zealand, Greater China and Singapore recorded the highest growth rates, with ANZ revenue up 118 per cent on last year, Greater China up 33 per cent, Singapore 72 per cent, India, 29 per cent, Japan 33 per cent and Korea 61 per cent.

Davis says that an aggressive recruiting effort and investment in information technology infrastructure have provided a strong foundation for further regional expansion in 2008.

"Offices have also been expanded and upgraded to cater for the increased headcount. We have opened an office in Bangkok, Thailand to address the significant demand for multi-national and in-country executives," Davis says.

The scale of reach of the Heidrick & Struggles operation in Asia Pacific has caused many corporations to seek access to its "thought leadership", industry sector analysis and research materials, Davis says.

Leadership advisory practice leader Steve Langton says the firms advisory work has helped to increase the number of chief executive and non-executive director roles. "Leadership advice leverages the Heidrick & struggles reputation, brand and capability to support clients in addressing their talent concerns they have in a time of leadership transition." Langton says.

Globally, for the fiscal year ended December 31, Heidrick & Struggles reported consolidated net revenue of $US619.7 million, an increase of 29.5 per cent from $US478.5 million in 2006. The firm expects global revenue to grow by between 5 and 8 per cent in 2008.

About Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. is the worlds premier provider of senior-level executive search and leadership consulting services, including talent management, board building, executive on-boarding and M&A effectiveness.

For more than 50 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 in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific.