Women Corporate Directors Expands Globally

As women establish a growing presence on corporate boards worldwide, Women Corporate Directors (WCD) -- an organization of influential women executives, including CEOs, COOs and other C-level executives who serve on major corporate boards -- is now opening new chapters in Brazil, China and Hong Kong, supported by a strategic partnership with Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.

"As part of our commitment to the next generation of board leadership, and to women's leadership as a whole, we are proud to partner with WCD on a global level," says Kevin Kelly, CEO of Heidrick & Struggles. "As a company, we are working to increase the number of women on corporate boards in markets throughout the world, and see WCD as a powerful ally in this endeavor."

Susan Stautberg, WCD's co-founder, says, "Business challenges that are threatening companies' very survival demand more diversity in corporate boardrooms -- to capture a broader range of thinking and problem-solving. The inclusion of more women as decision makers enables boards to more accurately analyze risk and helps management see beyond the next quarter to the bigger picture." WCD has more than 525 members serving on 675 boards worldwide.

Top global search firm Heidrick & Struggles has emerged as one of the industry's leaders in boosting women's numbers in the boardroom. Teaming with Heidrick & Struggles has allowed WCD to expand its reach and influence, especially in emerging markets, and the opening of new chapters in Sao Paulo, Hong Kong and Beijing signals a new trend in more women directors in Asia and South America in particular.

"At a time when help is needed most, the WCD network leverages local, regional and global knowledge -- and perspectives from other directors and boards worldwide -- and puts them to good use," says WCD's co-founder, Alison Winter. "Women directors can help boards tackle their toughest issues, and smart boards are going global in members and mindset."