Conrad Schmidt is the chief research officer based in Heidrick & Struggles’ Washington, D.C. office. He leads intellectual property development and manages a global, cross-disciplinary group of psychologists, data scientists, and business researchers. Conrad has over two decades of experience leading professional service organizations, productizing business research, and building advanced data and analytics capabilities. Experience Conrad leads Heidrick and Struggles’ innovative, research-driven strategies, leveraging his extensive expertise in analytics and data science to ensure the quality and practicality of talent management and selection strategies. Conrad’s previous leadership roles have focused on creating and implementing advanced research methods and analytics models, leading global teams to develop scientifically sound products. Recognized for his strategic oversight in research and product development, Conrad consistently delivers exceptional value through creative solutions to client business needs. Prior to joining Heidrick & Struggles, Conrad held executive roles, including executive in residence at JUST Capital, head of product research at Gartner, and global research officer at CEB. He has focused on ensuring quality research methods, leading global teams, and creating innovative talent management products, driving excellence and strategic oversight in research and development. Education Pardee RAND Graduate School, Ph.D. in Policy Analysis Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, M.P.A. University of Minnesota, B.A. degrees in Economics and Political Science, with Honors Awards In 2018, Conrad was co-recipient of the M. Scott Myer Award for Applied Research in the Workplace, awarded by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP).