January 2010 | Edition 1
KCI has completed its 13th year in the executive search industry. It was, as it was for most business services firms, a challenging year.
We completed over 180 projects and opened approximately 160 new ones. Our mix has moved to 50% North America and 50% International.
We feel very fortunate. While we experienced a small decline in revenues from 2008, the KCI organization and key consultants were not subject to the massive layoffs and cutbacks which permeated the mega-search firms particularly those that are public and/or those with significant financial services and related practices.
At the beginning of 2009, we closed three offices - Chicago, Atlanta and Miami. We reduced our headcount by approximately 10%. At the same time, in 2009, we opened a new office in Dubai, expanded our office in Shanghai, added 2 new Global Functional Practices - Finance and R&D/Medical-Clinical, and two new adjunct services - "Talent Mapping" and "Executive Assessment". As we enter 2010, we are re-opening Chicago, expanding our office in Tokyo, and again in Shanghai. We have been profitable each month since April 2009.
Our proprietary INSIGHT database remains one of the strongest in the industry and, combined with our strong networks and sourcing capabilities, we continue to maintain a favorable placement rate in each region of the world.
2010 will be filled with challenges for us. Most importantly, we will continue with our core business strategy of being a flexible, results-oriented "boutique" executive search firm dedicated to bringing top talent to our clients wherever they need us.
Listed below is a summary of our performance in 2009.
• Key Search Projects in Life Sciences: Pharmaceuticals, Biologicals, OTC, Medical, Dental, Scientific/Laboratory, Contract Services, Healthcare Information, Medical
• Laboratories/Research, Healthcare/Employee Benefit Plans and Specialized Healthcare Services.
• Key Search Projects in Other Industries: Consumer; Industrial, Chemicals and Materials; Agriculture; Energy and Advanced Technology.
• Key Search Projects in North America: CEO through Director Levels; President/CEO/COO; R&D/Medical-Clinical (MD/PhD); RA/QA; Supply Chain/Manufacturing; Finance; Human Resources. Many recruited "locally" and thus avoiding relocation costs.
• Key Search Projects in Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East/Africa including Brazil, Russia, India, China, Gulf States, Maghreb, Central & Eastern Europe. Many recruited "locally" or as returning "nationals".
• A growing Global Human Resources Practice headed by Ken Clark and former HR executives now at KCI. Ken's background in HR includes General Electric Medical and Cordis.
• A new Global R&D/Medical-Clinical Practice headed in North America and Europe by former R&D/Medical-Clinical Vice Presidents of major pharmaceutical companies. Both have "access" to top leadership talent in this function globally;
• A new Global Finance (CFO) Practice directed at both headquarters and regional Accounting and Treasury functions for public and private corporations;
• A new service - Talent Mapping. Talent Mapping includes the identification, screening and relationship-building of potential new talent into leadership positions that can be recruited with speed and accuracy. This service is particularly relevant in Emerging Markets to replace expatriates or nationals who may not be able to meet the challenges of a rapidly growing revenue base. Talent Mapping cannot be done for all clients in all regions and so the decision to go forth must be taken carefully.
• Another new service - Executive Assessment. It is run by senior line and HR executives who are now at KCI. Our technology is being widely-used in a variety of situations including finalist candidate evaluation; merger/acquisition integration; and group performance improvement. KCI has been granted use of this assessment technology by the University of Michigan School of Business - Dr. Kim Cameron, author of "Diagnosing and Changing Organization Culture". Dr. Cameron has continually trained us in its use. Unlike the technology used by the mega-search firms, KCI focus's on having the preferred vs. actual work team culture define the 1 or 2 leadership and management competencies that are important and need improvement by individual executives.
• New trends in executive talent acquisition, compensation, development and retention in developed and emerging markets.
KCI was founded in July 1996. Since then we have completed over 3,000 searches for over 500 companies in as many as 60 different countries. Our mission remains to recruit the top talent for our clients throughout the world. KCI employees start everyday dedicated to providing the services and results to accomplish this mission. They join me in wishing you the best, personally and professionally in 2010!
Ken Clark
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Ken Clark International
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Disclaimer:
Ken Clark International used their best effort in collecting and preparing the information published herein. We strive to provide information that is relevant to you and your organization. If we are not meeting your expectations, we invite your feedback at: publicrelations@kenclark.com
