Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International Inc. (NASD: HSII) announced Stephen Beard, executive VP – general counsel and chief administrative officer, will leave the firm Jan. 31 to pursue other opportunities.

The chief administrative officer role will be eliminated. Kamau Coar, VP – associate general counsel, has been promoted to general counsel and will be responsible for the firm’s legal and regulatory matters globally.

Coar joined Heidrick & Struggles in 2012 as associate general counsel. Most recently, he has served on the leadership team for the firm’s Asia Pacific region, based in Singapore. Before he joined Heidrick & Struggles, Coar was a partner at Ungaretti & Harris LLP. Coar began his career at Proskauer Rose LLP.

“Kamau has provided valued counsel to the business in Asia Pacific, and will bring a global perspective to his new role as our most senior legal advisor,” said President and CEO Krishnan Rajagopalan.