Heidrick & Struggles Names Industrial Practice Leader
May 3, 2017 – Heidrick & Struggles has appointed Bo Herbst to lead its industrial practice worldwide as global practice managing partner. Mr. Herbst’s appointment to the role is a normal rotation of leadership responsibilities at Heidrick. Darren Kemp previously led the practice from London as global practice managing partner.
“In this expanded role, Bo will lead Heidrick’s global industrial practice in further enhancing our impact with clients, leveraging a global network of experienced consultants and complementary leadership services,” said Krishnan Rajagopalan, acting president and CEO.
Mr. Herbst’s new position is an extension of his role as regional practice managing partner for the firm’s industrial practice in the Americas, which he will continue to hold while leading the practice globally. He joined Heidrick in 2000, and has led senior executive and board director searches within the industrial and manufacturing sectors, helping clients across a broad spectrum of industries build their leadership teams.
“This is an exciting time for both the industrial sector and for our firm,” said Mr. Herbst. “Industrial manufacturing is undergoing a transformation with the integration of new technologies such as the Internet of Things, automation, artificial intelligence and robotics.” He said industrial companies turn to executive recruiters for a host of reasons, including geographic reach, industry expertise and functional knowledge. But industrial companies primarily bring in recruiters because of their unique leadership development challenges, he said.
Immediate Impact Leaders In Demand
Companies across the industrial sector have historically concentrated on making their physical assets their basis of competitive advantage. But leading industrial companies increasingly have come to recognize that the quality of their leadership talent is what ultimately makes the real competitive difference in a world of globalization, rapidly emerging markets, off-shoring, outsourcing, and far-flung supply chains.
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These companies, according to Heidrick consultants, want innovative global leaders who possess the strategic, operating, and financial skills required to win in this complex environment. They also want commercially-focused managers who can develop distinctive value-added solutions. Above all, many seek leaders who have the ability to make both an immediate impact and a long-term contribution.
For its part, Heidrick & Struggles has developed deep vertical experience in virtually every industry sector and specialty area and serves the talent needs of industrial companies from the U.S. to China, Russia, India, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
Heidrick recently added Joe Huddle as a partner in its industrial practice. Mr. Huddle joined the firm after spending over seven years at DHR International, most recently as managing partner of the firm’s global industrial practice. During his time there he was charged with managing the strategic growth and development of DHR’s industrial practice group. His expertise in disciplines including P&L ownership, operations and finance leadership have supported placements of C-level executives in both general management positions and functional leadership roles. Mr. Huddle’s industry sector experience spans capital equipment, automotive, aerospace, electronics, construction and basic materials.
Contributed by Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor, Hunt Scanlon Media
