Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International Inc. (NASD: HSII) today announced John Mitchell joined the firm as global practice managing partner — healthcare and life sciences. As leader of Heidrick & Struggles’ global healthcare and life sciences practice, he will head a team of more than 80 partners, principals and associates in the Americas, Europe and Asia serving clients in the biopharmaceutical, medical technology and healthcare services sectors.

Mitchell replaces Charlie Moore, who was serving as the company’s interim lead.  Moore will remain with Heidrick & Struggles and continue to be a regional practice lead for Asia Pacific.

Mitchell has nearly 30 years of experience in executive search, working at the senior executive and board levels, primarily advising companies in healthcare and life sciences, including global conglomerates, emerging firms, private equity-backed companies and startups.

He most recently led the global private equity practice at Spencer Stuart. Previously, he was the firm's life sciences practice leader for the Americas and a core member of its CEO and board practice. Earlier, he served as the managing partner of another international search firm's Life Sciences Practice. He also was a member of the firm's board of directors.

“John has an unsurpassed reputation throughout the life sciences industry for his deep experience and success in finding and placing senior leaders globally throughout the sector,” said Krishnan Rajagopalan, executive VP and global head of practices for Heidrick & Struggles. “He will be a true difference-maker for our clients in the sector and to our firm in building the strength of this practice.”