Caldwell Partners Adds Professional Services Expert

Michael DeCosta brings more than 15 years of industry and executive search experience

TORONTO, Jan. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Retained executive search firm The Caldwell Partners International Inc. (TSX: CWL) today announced a major enhancement to its recruiting capabilities in professional services with the addition of Michael DeCosta as a Partner in the firm's Professional Services and Legal practices.

"Michael is an outstanding addition to Caldwell Partners," said Jim Bethmann, co-leader of Caldwell Partners' TMT/IT & Professional Services Sector. "His track record of work in the professional services space is impeccable and, more importantly, his tenacious and persistent nature where execution and client service are concerned will make him an excellent fit for our team."

"Caldwell Partners continues to make targeted, strategic additions to our Partner team," said John N. Wallace, chief executive officer. "With more than 15 years of experience in executive recruitment for management and IT consulting, accounting and law firms, Michael strengthens our team in previously underserved areas."

Mr. DeCosta joined the firm from Korn/Ferry International, where he was a senior client partner in both the Legal Specialty Practice and Services Sector. Previously, he served as senior recruiting manager for Deloitte & Touche, where he helped launch a highly successful senior-level recruiting group focused on attracting partners and directors into the firm's global leadership team. In addition, he recruited across several industry sectors, including healthcare, financial services, technology, and energy and public sector, which he led for all of North America. Mr. DeCosta began his career in the emergency medical services industry, where he served as director of marketing for one of the largest ambulance service providers in the U.S.

He has written and contributed to numerous white papers on professional services and legal career management and has spoken on several panels at a variety of industry conferences. Presently, he authors a career column for a legal industry newsletter, Marketing The Law Firm, and serves on its board of editors. He has also served on several community boards, including the local Tax District and the Charter Revision Commission.

Mr. DeCosta earned his master's degree in American studies with a concentration in labor history from Fairfield University, graduating summa cum laude, and holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Marist College.

Based in Caldwell Partners' Stamford office, Mr. DeCosta joins a team that includes Peter Reed, an industry-leading insurance recruiter and Jodie Emery, a prominent private equity and life sciences/healthcare recruiter.

About Caldwell Partners
Caldwell Partners is one of North America's premier providers of executive search and has been for more than 40 years. As one of the region's most trusted advisors in executive search, the firm has a sterling reputation built on successful searches for boards, chief and senior executives, and selected functional experts. With offices and partners across North America, and a strategic presence in London, the firm takes pride in delivering an unmatched level of service and expertise to its clients.

The Caldwell Partners' Common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CWL). Please visit our website at www.caldwellpartners.com for further information.