Marsh & McLennan and Heidrick & Struggles Launch Diversity Recruitment Program with Six Firms

NEW YORK and CHICAGO, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Top professional services firms Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE: MMC) and Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSII) have named six minority-, LGBT- or women-owned search firms to their "Inclusion Network," a new diversity recruiting initiative the two firms announced last spring. Designed to attract a broader and more diverse talent pool to MMC, a provider of risk, strategy, and human capital solutions, the Inclusion Network program is managed by Heidrick & Struggles – a leadership advisory firm providing senior-level executive search and leadership consulting services – as part of a full suite of talent solutions the company offers.

The six firms participating in the Inclusion Network are The Hollins Group Inc. and Youngblood Executive Search, both based in Chicago; CREW Advisory Services, Quinn & Associates, and Wesley, Brown and Bartle Co., Inc., all based in New York; and McCormack & Associates, based in Los Angeles. Under the Inclusion Network program, when Heidrick & Struggles receives assignments from MMC, it then works with the Network members, who are generalist search firms with Diversity practices, to fulfill these searches. Two of the firms have been engaged for search assignments since the program began in January.

"After we announced the initiative last year, we received more than 40 inquiries from firms interested in participating in the network," says Billy Dexter, Partner at Heidrick & Struggles. "We rigorously reviewed and interviewed the firms, and identified six superior firms whose complementarity with Heidrick's own services makes them ideal partners in our Inclusion Network."

"This innovative diversity recruiting solution provides new opportunities for each of the participating parties," says Kathryn Komsa, Chief Diversity Officer at MMC. "For MMC, the strong industry knowledge and global network of Heidrick & Struggles, combined with the specialized networks and expertise of our Inclusion Network firms, make this an ideal program for identifying and attracting the broad talent base we need to compete effectively, while also broadening our diverse supplier base."

The Inclusion Network program, piloted by Heidrick & Struggles and MMC, is part of the Diversity Advisory Services Practice at Heidrick, offering a comprehensive set of solutions for clients looking to expand diversity not only in their workforce but also in their vendor set. In addition to providing access to a broader range of candidates, including women, people of color, and members of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) communities to clients, Heidrick & Struggles will also assist with leadership consulting, training, and other services with the Network search firms.

"Working with Heidrick & Struggles on this initiative is a terrific opportunity to raise the profile of member firms and share our strengths in building the most talented and diverse workforce that clients need to compete globally today," says Larry Hollins of The Hollins Group.

"We hope that through this initiative we can further solidify the commitment to diversity in the search industry," says Mr. Dexter. "This is a program that allows us to offer a unique approach to creating a more inclusive workplace and we plan to roll it out globally for our clients."

About MMC

MMC is a global professional services firm providing advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy and human capital. It is the parent company of a number of the world's leading risk experts and specialty consultants, including Marsh, the insurance broker and risk advisor; Guy Carpenter, the risk and reinsurance specialist; Mercer, the provider of HR and related financial advice and services; Oliver Wyman, the management consultancy; and Kroll, the risk consulting firm. With approximately 52,000 employees worldwide and annual revenue exceeding $10 billion, MMC provides analysis, advice and transactional capabilities to clients in more than 100 countries. Its stock (ticker symbol: MMC) is listed on the New York, Chicago and London stock exchanges. MMC's website address is www.mmc.com.   

About Heidrick & Struggles

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSII) is the leadership advisory firm providing senior-level 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 in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit www.heidrick.com.

About the Inclusion Network

For more information on the Inclusion Network firms, please visit their websites at:

The Hollins Group: www.thehollinsgroup.com

Youngblood Executive Search, Inc.: www.yngbloodexecsrch.com

CREW Advisory Services: www.crewadvisory.com

Quinn & Associates: www.lisnagol.com

Wesley, Brown & Bartle Co., Inc: www.wbbusa.com

McCormack & Associates: www.mccormackassociates.com

CONTACT:  Davia Temin or Suzanne Oaks of Temin and Company at 212-588-8788 or [email protected], for Heidrick & Struggles.

SOURCE Heidrick & Struggles