IMD International Search and Consulting expands into China

During its world conference in Singapore last month, IMD International Search and Consulting announced that it has selected the Shanghai operation of Executive Search firm GSI as its partner in China. Partners in over 18 countries unanimously supported the appointment



GSI is the Executive Search brand of The GMP Group (based in Singapore) focusing on headhunting senior executives for clients in South East Asia.

Speaking at the conference Ms Annie Yap, Managing Director of GSI explained ëíGSI Consultants have witnessed an influx of foreign investment to set up new production facilities as well as to expand existing operations. This surge inevitably exerts a high demand for skilled and talented human capital against a very limited pool of talents, be it on the managerial, professional or skilled labour levelíí. Furthermore ìAlthough finding the right person is never an easy task in any country, in China it is even more challenging because of the ever changing economy and the sheer size of the country. It essential that headhunters have intimate knowledge of the regions in China in addition to great awareness of the challenges faced by international headquarters of the companies entering China.î

The timing for IMD to enter the China market could not have been better as there has been a clear trend in China for organisations to rely on headhunting firms to fill key positions. Both The Ministry of Personnel and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce have relaxed certain regulations and as a result foreign headhunters are opening for business in China by means of joint ventures with local headhunters.

Judging from current findings, financial experts will be most in demand. According to statistics by the Peopleís Bank of China, by the end of September 2004, the number of China-based foreign banks had reached 190. High-tech talent, senior executives, and qualified lawyers will also be in high demand.

Sherilyn Shackell CEO of UK partner Highfield Human Solutions and board director of IMD says ëíWe are delighted to appoint GSI in China. Truly high calibre Search firms are hard to find in this region and IMD clients globally have expressed the need to be serviced by Search firms with true insight into the Chinese economy and markets. Through GSI we can now fulfil this need.íí