Global headhunter Russell Reynolds Associates has opened a Dubai office.

A statement from the firm says while it has done business in the Middle East since 1975, the new office complements clients’ growing demand for a physical presence in the region. 

Stephan Schönwälder, the firm’s recently appointed managing director, leads the office as area manager for Dubai. 

According to his LinkedIn profile, he joined from executive search firm Spencer Stuart where he was head of its financial services practice.