Lucas Group, an Atlanta-based executive search firm, has formed an exclusive, two-year global recruiting partnership with J. Friisberg & Partners International S.A., a Milan, Italy, executive recruiting firm.

Per the deal, Friisberg will recruit and place European talent for American-based firms’ operations in Europe, while Lucas Group will recruit and place U.S. talent for European-based firms’ operations in the United States. Friisberg has offices in 20 European countries, and Lucas Group has 15 offices throughout the United States.

“Multinational companies are thinking globally and acting locally when it comes to executive recruitment,” said Andrea “Andi” Jennings, president and CEO of Lucas Group. “For U.S.-based companies, the trend is moving away from sending Americans to foreign offices to lead large organizations. Instead, companies are looking for outstanding executive talent at the local level so they can leverage the benefits of local and regional awareness and business networks.”

“The same is true in Europe,” said Lorenzo Bombardini, president of Friisberg. “Companies are looking for American talent to lead their U.S. operations. The combination of Friisberg and Lucas Group makes for a very powerful and comprehensive approach to international recruiting at the executive level.”