Cornerstone International Group

About Us

Cornerstone is a leading global leadership enhancement firm that offers executive recruitment, executive coaching, and career navigation solutions. Cornerstone has a globalized vision, with 60 offices in 40 countries since 1989; we aim to generate attractive investment returns for our clients by helping them appoint and engage new cornerstones for their operations. We work closely with clients to understand their needs and culture, then develop a customized search strategy to find the right fit. Our industry knowledge and executive search expertise identify and attract the best candidates for each search assignment. We often discuss the benefits of our structure and business model – which marries global branding with local ownership and anchor with three pillars of services.

The organizations has two head offices strategically located in Asia (Shanghai) and North America (Atlanta, Georgia).

Both before (with leadership assessment) and after (onboarding) a rigorous search process, we work to ensure the highest possible chance of success in filling the most difficult talent needs.

We are regularly ranked by Forbes Media among the leading firms in our industry.

Achievements

Cornerstone International Group

Find a Recruiter

Daniel W. Heiman

Chair of North American Region & Audit Committee

Nancy Chu

Chair of Member Development - Asia and Board Officer

Diego Cubas

Partner and Regional Director, Cornerstone Mexico; Client Partner, Cornerstone Lima

Göran Jansson

Chair of EMEA Region

Laurie O’Donnell

Chair of Leadership Development – Americas and Asia

Larry Shoemaker

President

Simon Wan

Chief Executive

Cornerstone International Group has a globalized vision, with 250+ consultants, 60+ offices in 40+ countries worldwide. Each is owned and managed by skilled entrepreneurs who are leaders in their markets and backed by technology and shared best practices. You receive personal attention and the clout of a global organization.

Cornerstone International Group

Solutions And Expertise

Cornerstone International Group is a recognized leader in executive search and leadership development. It is an increasingly complex and demanding discipline; they know the difference between success and failure will have a huge impact on the business of customers.

Solutions

Career Transition
Executive & Board Search
Interim & Fractional
Leadership Develop.

Industries

Aerospace
Automotive
Construction
Consumer
Defense
Financial Services
Food Services
Life Sci./Healthcare
Luxury
Manufacturing
Non-Profits
Professional Services
Retail
Ship Building
Specialty Chemicals
Technology
Transportation Related Industries

Functions

Communications
Engineering
Finance
General Management
Human Resources
Information Technology
Legal/Compliance
Marketing
Operations
Procurement
R&D
Sales
Supply Chain

Cornerstone International Group

News Briefings

Cornerstone International Group Opens New Office Johannesburg

Cornerstone International Group has opened a new office in Johannesburg to deepen its footprint in South Africa. Leading the new office is Paul O’Brien, an executive search specialist with over 14 years of experience across South Africa, the U.K., Hong Kong, the UAE, and broader Africa. “South Africa is a vital growth frontier where exceptional leadership

Cornerstone International Group Fills Senior Position for Dawn Foods

Cornerstone International Group has recently placed Kristi Kangas as senior vice president of North America manufacturing operations for Dawn Foods, a global leader in bakery manufacturing and distribution. Samuel Dergel led the search. “Kristi is a proven manufacturing leader with a track record of driving operational excellence in complex, multi-site environments,” said John Schmitz, chief operating officer,

Cornerstone International Group Opens New Office in Frankfurt

Cornerstone International Group has opened a new office in Frankfurt and appointed of Florian Kittler as global sector head—hospitality, travel & leisure. “The expansion reflects increasing demand from hospitality, travel, and lifestyle organizations for leadership partners who combine global reach with deep sector expertise, as the industry navigates international growth, digital transformation, and evolving client

How Leadership Success Hinges on Style and Cultural Fit

Leadership today requires more than experience and expertise—it demands self-awareness and alignment with the environment in which a leader operates. The most effective leaders understand that success depends not only on what they know but on how their approach fits the organization’s culture, pace, and expectations. This connection between leadership style and organizational context often

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Cornerstone International Group

Press Releases

Cornerstone Strengthens African Leadership Talent Footprint with Official Johannesburg Office Launch

Johannesburg, South Africa — May 6, 2026 — Cornerstone, the world’s only global talent consulting group with dual headquarters in the U.S. and China, today announced the official opening of its Johannesburg office—a strategic hub to expand its retained executive search and Talent Advisory practice across South Africa and the broader African continent. This milestone deepens

Cornerstone Appoints Global Hospitality, Travel & Leisure Practice Leader and Strengthens Sector Capabilities with Frankfurt Expansion

Frankfurt, Germany — January 5, 2026 — Cornerstone International Group today announced the official opening of its Frankfurt office, as a strategic European hub alongside the appointment of Florian Kittler as Global Sector Head—Hospitality, Travel & Leisure. The expansion reflects increasing demand from Hospitality, Travel, and Lifestyle organizations for leadership partners who combine global reach

Cornerstone International Group Names Dan Heiman as New President at Prague Global Conference

Cornerstone International Group is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dan Heiman, a seasoned professional and the managing partner of the Kansas City office, as our new President, effective January 1, 2025. This strategic move is part of our leadership succession plan, initiated in 2021, and marks a significant milestone in our 35-year history. Mr.

Cornerstone International Group Launches New Logo

Atlanta, GA, February 6th, 2023- Cornerstone International Group officially launched its new logo last month, making it Cornerstone’s first logo change in 34 years. The global talent solutions group announces the change with a short video ending with the statement “New Logo, Same Mission, Same Cornerstone.” The new emblem’s four interlocking “Cs” show that while

Cornerstone International Group Marks Opening of New Miami Office by Playing Host to Cornerstone Latin America Regional Meeting

Miami, FL, November 14th, 2022 – Cornerstone International Group opened its newest office location last week, Cornerstone’s 8th office in North America. Cornerstone Miami launched its new space by hosting the Cornerstone Latin America Regional Meeting. Joined by special guest, Marcelo Fumasoni, Microsoft HR Head for LATAM, the regional team was able to meet in

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