Executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles International has acquired New Zealand search firm Bell McCaw Bampfylde, according to the Association of Executive Search Consultants.

The Wellington-based company will operate only at the very top level of New Zealand business and government, working with NZX Top 50 organisations as well as educational institutions, start-ups, private equity and venture capital groups.

Bell McCaw Bampfylde founder, Lilias Bell, has been appointed a Heidrick & Struggles partner and will remain based in Wellington.

Bell founded her own leadership firm in the capital after a successful career in the consumer and professional services sectors in the UK.