Cook ERN Panel calls on Executives to pass the Stress Test

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Media Contact: Sarah Barnes
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Cook 2009 Executive Recruiter News Panel
Calls on Executives to Pass the Stress Test
Chicago, May 2009 - "Companies going through extreme turmoil or market pressures need to adjust. This calls for identifying and assessing proven stress-tested CEOs and other senior executives who can manage their companies through the downturn to sustained success," was one of many poignant statements made by John Barrett, moderator for the Cook Associates' Executive Recruiter News (ERN) panel entitled Antidote for a Down Economy: Stress-Tested Executives, held on Tuesday, May 5, at the Union League Club in Chicago.

The panel discussion, led by John Barrett, a Managing Director within the firm's Executive Search division, emphasized the importance of identifying top executives most skilled at guiding companies through turbulent economies.

As the economy places hardships on companies and investors, HR executives are looking for experienced stress-tested executive leadership.

"Whether it is a severe market contraction, changing technology, product recall or media scrutiny, CEOs and senior executives who can effectively demonstrate their success in navigating their company or division through turbulent times will be well sought after by Boards, human resource executives and search firms," stated Mark Duffy, former President of Griffith Laboratories USA.

The panel discussion included Steve Barnhart, former CEO of Orbitz, Paul Barrett, Vice President of Sales & Customer Service for Lagasse, Inc., Mark Duffy who most recently served as the President of Griffith Laboratories USA, and Mike Linn, CEO of CleanBrands.

About Cook Associates
Cook Associates, Inc. (http://www.cookassociates.com/ 312/329-0900; 212 West Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL) is a retained Executive Search and M&A Advisory Services firm. Our core business is creating value at the intersection where talent and opportunity connect, and we are uniquely positioned to help our clients capitalize on the brightest talent and best performing companies in the marketplace. Out client base ranges from multinational corporations to early stage entrepreneurial companies, private equity and venue capital firms. Brand name clients include American Express, The Blackstone Group, Dover Corporation, GTCR, Heinz, Juniper Networking, Levis Strauss & Co., Pitney Bowes, and Sirius Satellite Radio. For Additional Information, please, visit www.cookassociates.com.