Heidrick & Struggles (Nasdaq: HSII), a global leader in executive search and leadership advisory services, has appointed Kati Najipoor-Smith as Regional Co-Managing Partner, CEO & Board Practice, for Europe and Africa. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, Kati brings decades of cross-sector global experience to help boards and CEOs navigate complex leadership demands in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Kati began her executive search journey in 1999 at Egon Zehnder, where she led the Global Automotive and Global CEO Practices. Over the years, she has advised chairs and CEOs of public, family-owned, and private equity-backed companies across industries and geographies. Her work focuses on building high-performing boards and executive teams, with a strong emphasis on strategic CEO succession and leadership transitions.

“In this era of unprecedented uncertainty and complexity, business leaders are under immense pressure and the quality of leadership – at both board and C-suite levels – is being tested like never before,” said Najipoor-Smith. “I’m excited to join Heidrick & Struggles and collaborate with a world-class team that merges human insight with data-driven analysis to guide our clients’ most critical leadership decisions.”

Jenni Hibbert, Global Managing Partner Go-To-Market and Regional Leader, Europe & Africa, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Kati to Heidrick & Struggles. Her vast experience and strategic mindset will bring significant value to our clients across the region.”

In addition to her executive search expertise, Kati has held roles in leading management consulting firms such as Roland Berger and at FEV Group, a prominent engineering services company. She holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Aachen, an MSc from the University of California, and a BSc from the University of Portland.

Outside of her consulting career, Kati is a sought-after speaker on global leadership topics and co-founder of a private network dedicated to advancing senior female executives. Her voice continues to shape the dialogue around inclusive and forward-looking leadership strategies.

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