Gerard R. Roche Retires From Heidrick & Struggles’ Board
June 15, 2009 – Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles, International, Inc. has announced that Gerard R. Roche has retired from its board of directors, and that it has named Jane D. Hartley to its board. Mr. Roche joined Heidrick & Struggles as an executive recruiter in 1964 and has been a director of Heidrick & Struggles since 1970. He became senior vice president and eastern manager in 1973, was named executive vice president in early 1977, and in 1978 became president and chief executive officer. In 1981, he moved into the chairman's role to permit greater time for the high-level search work for which he is known. Mr. Roche has worked with hundreds of corporations and their boards in his career, placing top executives throughout the world in almost every function and industry. He remains an active search consultant for Heidrick & Struggles, and will be recognized as chairman emeritus of the company. "Gerry has served this company as a director for 39 years with honor, distinction, compassion, integrity and supreme professionalism. His length of service as a director is unmatched by any standard in modern American business, and one marked by the dedication and iconic presence of a man we are honored to serve alongside," said Kevin Kelly, president and CEO of Heidrick & Struggles. Ms. Hartley is chief executive officer and co-founder of Observatory Group LLC, an economic and political consultancy, focused on closely monitoring monetary, fiscal and legislative policy, as well as other political and economic events of macroeconomic relevance. Before co-founding Observatory Group, she was CEO of the G7 Group. With the addition of Ms. Hartley the Heidrick & Struggles board comprises eight independent directors and one inside director. Heidrick & Struggles is a provider of senior-level executive search and leadership advisory services, including succession planning, executive assessment, talent retention management, executive development, transition consulting for newly appointed executives, and M&A human capital integration consulting.
