Korn/Ferry International sets sights on GCC markets

The international firm offers senior-level search, management assessment, coaching and development and middle management recruitment services, calling upon its extensive global network and industry-specific expertise to respond to clients' most critical human capital needs. Korn/Ferry has targeted telecommunications, financial services, merchant family groups, education, airlines and oil and gas as key sectors in the region, and will continue to respond to the growing human capital needs of these sectors through the establishment of the Dubai office.

"We have been active in the GCC market for nearly 30 years, however, the region's rapid economic liberalization and increased commitment to leveraging its human capital have convinced us of the need of having a physical presence in the region," said Metin Mitchell, Managing Director, Korn/Ferry International, Middle East. "In the past, many Arab nationals went abroad to pursue higher education and professional opportunity. Now all this is changed, as many GCC companies struggle to keep pace with the growth of jobs and development. This provides ideal opportunities for Arabic speakers to accept directorships and key executive positions in countries closer to home."

By means of the firm's executive search methodology, Korn/Ferry International, Middle East caters to the regional market by providing Arabic human capital solutions when possible, which will ultimately benefit the GCC's long term nationalization policies. Additionally, Korn/Ferry International, Middle East provides strategic management assessment and leadership development programmes designed to help companies harness and develop their own management teams.

"Korn/Ferry differs from recruitment agencies not only because of the seniority of candidates -CEOs and direct reports to CEOs - but also because of our research driven candidate acquisition approach," said Mitchell. "As semi governmental organizations move towards privatization, as we are seeing in the regional telecoms arena, leadership assessment will be crucial to an organisation's ability to face increased market competition."