HONG KONG, Sept. 30, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heidrick & Struggles International (Nasdaq:HSII), the premier professional services firm focused on serving the leadership needs of top organizations globally, today announced that Karen Fifer has been appointed to lead the Global Consumer Markets Practice, where she will also serve on the firm's operating committee. She is based in Hong Kong.
With close to three decades of expertise in executive search, Fifer is an accomplished consultant who specializes in C-suite searches within the retail & luxury, and consumer packaged goods sectors. During her career, she has also worked with clients in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. Over the past seven years, Fifer has led the Global Retail Practice and served as Regional Managing Partner of the Consumer Markets Practice in Asia Pacific.
"Since joining the firm in 2005, Karen has distinguished herself as a driven and truly international consumer expert. Our clients depend on her counsel and find great value in her industry insight and candor. Asia is fast becoming the epicenter for consumer markets and Karen is a natural fit to lead our Global Consumer Practice globally," said Jory J. Marino, Interim CEO, Heidrick & Struggles. "Above all, Karen strives for excellence in all aspects of her life and is looking to capitalize on the practice momentum and further expand our elite consumer team."
In addition, Fifer has significant experience conducting cross-border searches for local, regional and multinational corporations as the quest for the best talent intensifies. Fifer is also co-chair of the WomenCorporateDirectors in Hong Kong and spearheads efforts in the broader Asia Pacific region. She actively advocates a variety of diversity initiatives.
"As the first female Global Managing Partner based in Asia, I am dedicated to leveraging my industry knowledge and years of experience to further grow the practice, and I look forward to seeing more women pursuing their career goals while having a balanced quality of life," Fifer said.
Raised and educated in Hong Kong, she graduated from Cass Business School in London with a Bachelor of Science in Business Studies and is also fluent in the Cantonese language.
About Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII) is the premier provider of senior-level Executive Search, Culture Shaping and Leadership Consulting services. For 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 in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit www.heidrick.com.