MMC Gears Up Sexual Diversity Hiring Program

The six firms participating in the Inclusion Network are The Hollins Group Inc. and Youngblood Executive Search, both based in Chicago; CREW Advisory Services, Quinn & Associates, and Wesley, Brown and Bartle Co. Inc., all based in New York; and McCormack & Associates, based in Los Angeles.

Under the Inclusion Network program, when Heidrick & Struggles receives assignments from MMC, it then works with the network members, who are generalist search firms with diversity practices, to fulfill these searches, it was explained.

Two of the firms have been engaged for search assignments since the program began in January.

"After we announced the initiative last year, we received more than 40 inquiries from firms interested in participating in the network," said Billy Dexter, partner at Heidrick & Struggles, in a statement.

"We rigorously assessed and interviewed the firms, identifying six superior firms whose services so thoroughly complement our own, making them ideal partners in our Inclusion Network," Mr. Dexter related.

"This innovative diversity recruiting solution provides new opportunities for each of the participating parties," said Kathryn Komsa, chief diversity officer at MMC. "For MMC, the strong industry knowledge and global network of Heidrick & Struggles, combined with the specialized networks and expertise of our Inclusion Network firms, make this an ideal program for identifying and attracting the broad talent base we need to compete effectively while also broadening our diverse supplier base."

The Inclusion Network program, piloted by Heidrick & Struggles and MMC, is part of the Diversity Advisory Services Practice at Heidrick, offering a comprehensive set of solutions for clients looking to expand diversity not only in their workforce but also in their vendor set.

In addition to providing client access to a broader range of candidates, including women, people of color, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, Heidrick & Struggles will also assist with leadership consulting, training and other services with the Network search firms, MMC said.

"Working with Heidrick & Struggles on this initiative is a terrific opportunity to raise the profile of member firms and share our strengths in building the most talented and diverse workforce that clients need to compete globally today," said Larry Hollins of The Hollins Group.

"We hope that through this initiative we can further solidify the commitment to diversity in the search industry," said Mr. Dexter. "This is a program that allows us to offer a unique approach to creating a more inclusive workplace, and we plan to roll it out globally for our clients."