LONDON, 2014-07-24 08:00 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Women continue to account for less than 25 percent of directors in corporate
and not-for-profit boardrooms across the United Kingdom. To help expand the
reach of women directors, Heidrick & Struggles, a premier professional services
firm serving the executive search, culture-shaping and leadership needs of top
organisations globally, has launched a new network for women directors in the
U.K.

The Board Network brings together women board directors from a diverse range of
commercial businesses and social enterprises. More than 50 women board
directors participated in The Board Network's inaugural launch event July 15 in
London. Sebastian Grigg, a managing director at Credit Suisse in London,
provided insight into diverse thinking in the boardroom, board culture and
risk.

"The Board Network creates a forum for networking opportunities for women board
directors, and serves as a conduit for our client companies and social
enterprises to engage with top-level board talent. This peer-to-peer
interaction will help connect women directors across industry sectors, which is
critical for those wanting to serve on additional boards," said Jenni Hibbert,
a partner in Heidrick & Struggles' London CEO & Board Practice. Hibbert also
heads the firm's Insurance practice across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

"One of the critical elements that has been helpful in my own development as an
NED is to share and learn from the wisdom of others and to continuously build a
supportive network. I believe that is the key to seeing more Women on Boards,"
said Cathryn Riley, Non-Executive Director International Personal Finance Plc,
Equitable Life Assurance Society Ltd and ACE European Group Ltd. "The Heidrick
& Struggles Board Network event provided such an opportunity in an atmosphere
that was conducive to open discussion," said Riley.

"Heidrick & Struggles is playing an active role in helping to promote board
diversity and diversity of thought. Boards will provide better governance when
women are more fully represented and contributing their ideas and insight,"
said Alexa Bailey, manager CEO & Board Practice. "The Board Network is embedded
into Heidrick & Struggles' CEO & Board Practice making it a global forum with a
focus upon the development of boards at an international level."

About Heidrick & Struggles:

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSII) is a premier provider of
senior-level Executive Search, Culture Shaping and Leadership Consulting
services. For more than 60 years, we have helped our clients build strong
leadership teams through quality service, deep insights and our relationships
with talented individuals worldwide. Today, Heidrick & Struggles' leadership
experts operate from principal business centers in North America, Latin
America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. For more information
about Heidrick & Struggles, please visit www.heidrick.com

CONTACT: Media Contact:
Lia Randazzo
+1.312.496.1788
[email protected]