Executive Search award recipients announced

The Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC), the worldwide professional association for retained executive search, today announced Thomas J. Friel, non-executive Chairman of the Board of Heidrick and Struggles, as the recipient of the 2007 Gardner W. Heidrick Award. The 2007 Eleanor H. Raynolds Award recipient is Bonnie M. Crabtree, Managing Director, Korn/Ferry International. Both awards will be presented on 7th March at the AESC Americas Conference, The New Rules, at the Harvard Club in New York City.

The Gardner W. Heidrick Award was established to honor an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the executive search profession. Tom is recognised for being an early proponent of globalisation. Using his strength as a business leader, innovator and thoughtful risk taker, he helped to build offices in China and India long before these countries would emerge as the economic engines they are today. Tom also spearheaded the launch into the high-tech market in 1984 when he established his firmís presence in Silicon Valley and served as Managing Director for five years. Tom served as Chairman and CEO of Heidrick and Struggles and is currently non-executive Chairman of the Board. He is admired for the innovation, sophistication and ethical commitment he has brought to the executive search business.

The Eleanor H. Raynolds Award was established to recognise excellence in executive search with a strong commitment to volunteerism. This yearís recipient, Bonnie M. Crabtree, in addition to her role as Managing Director of Korn/Ferry Internationalís Florida office, where she is recognised for her high commitment to client service and global partnering, donates significant amounts of time towards the betterment of the Greater Miami community. Bonnie just completed an unprecedented three-year term as Board Chair of the Miami Chapter of ìBig Brothers Big Sistersî. Under Bonnieís visionary leadership, the agency was transformed positively shaping the lives of countless children throughout South Florida. The chapter was selected for the ìNational Board of the Yearî award from 450 other affiliates. Bonnie also sits on the Board of the Florida International University Foundation and the Community Partnership for the Homeless. Bonnieís contribution of service has been an inspiration to others.