TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Retained executive search firm The Caldwell Partners International Inc. (TSX: CWL) today announced the appointment of Chris Beck as chief operating and financial officer of the firm.

"Chris is a collaborative and energetic leader with the vision to grow our organization, ensure our financial strength and operating efficiency, and drive the development of new products, solutions and services," said John Wallace, chief executive officer. "Under his leadership and counsel, we have attained our financial goals, expanded our reach via acquisition and strategic partnerships, and enhanced the manner and degree to which we are able to serve our clients. He has also elevated the visibility of the firm externally, serving as a continuing member of the organizing committee of the MIT Sloan CFO Summit and as a member of the Leadership Committee of Out Leadership – both under the Caldwell banner."

Mr. Beck's new role will encompass all of the financial and investor relations functions, as well as providing day-to-day leadership and management across the firm, spearheading effective growth strategies and processes, and fostering a success-oriented accountable environment inside the firm. He will also lead diversity, inclusion and equality initiatives; technology and process efficiency, growth of the firm's executive knowledge and advisory board solutions, and the identification and growth of new service lines.

Mr. Beck joined Caldwell in early 2013 as chief financial officer and corporate secretary. Based in Boston, MA, he has more than 20 years of experience in finance with a successful track record of leading and managing financial, accounting and business operations. His ownership and management of specific departments and functions include accounting, finance, human resources, strategic planning, business process improvement, information technology, treasury and corporate secretary board governance duties.

Wallace continued: "Chris has steadily taken on more responsibility for our firm's day-to-day operations in his four-plus years here. This appointment is a natural evolution of the role he has assumed and by naming him as our chief operating and financial officer, we are acknowledging the importance of the expanded leadership role he plays as we continue to look toward a bright future of limitless possibilities."

Prior to joining Caldwell Partners in 2013, Mr. Beck was chief financial officer, treasurer and corporate secretary of BirdDog, a transportation services company focused on providing solutions to both shippers and motor carriers. With more than 220 employees, BirdDog with its flagship parcel contract optimization services and its subsidiary Foley Services was named to the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies for five consecutive years as well as Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 list for four of the five years of Mr. Beck's tenure.

From 2000-2007, Mr. Beck was chief financial officer at Highland Partners, a global executive search firm and a division of the public company Hudson Highland Group (formerly part of TMP/Monster Worldwide). From 1996-2000, he held various controller, financial function and M&A roles, culminating in chief financial officer at Alper Ink Group, a private equity/family office funded company where he participated in their acquisition and integration activity, closing seven acquisitions in a four-year time span. He began his career in 1992 at Deloitte in the audit practice.

Mr. Beck is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and started his finance and accounting career with Deloitte in New York. He is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is on the organizing committee of the MIT Sloan CFO Summit, an event at which he has spoken or helped organize since 2010.  He is a passionate supporter of Autism Speaks, and consecutively ran all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors during 2015-2016 to raise funds for the organization.

About Caldwell Partners
Caldwell Partners is a leading international provider of executive search and has been for more than 45 years. As one of the world'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, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, 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.

SOURCE The Caldwell Partners International Inc.