Heidrick & Struggles

Heidrick & Struggles

Heidrick & Struggles was founded in 1953 in Chicago by Gardner Heidrick and John Struggles as a specialized executive search firm. It is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker HSII and has grown to operate in over 30 countries. The firm's strategy centers on retained executive search for C-suite and board-level positions, complemented by on-demand talent placement, leadership coaching and development, and workplace culture consulting. It serves clients across industries including technology, financial services, healthcare, industrial, and consumer sectors. Geographically, it has a strong presence in North America, with additional coverage in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East. Heidrick & Struggles employs over 2,000 people globally across more than 30 offices. In 2024, the firm reported annual revenue of approximately $1 billion. Its leadership consulting arm, Heidrick Consulting, provides organizational culture and change management services. The firm also publishes thought leadership, including the annual Board Monitor and Route to the Top reports. A structural differentiator is that Heidrick & Struggles operates as a publicly traded company, unlike most executive search firms that remain private or partnership-owned. This governance model allows for transparent financial reporting and aligns the firm with shareholder value creation, but it also limits the flexibility typically associated with family-owned or boutique advisory firms.