- Majority Would Also Consider Working for a Technology Company -

Los Angeles, July 13, 2005 – Nearly half (46 percent) of more than 2,000 global executives surveyed believe that the Chief Information Officer “absolutely” has a role to play on a company’s board of directors, according to the latest Executive Quiz from Korn/Ferry International (NYSE:KFY), a premier global provider of talent management solutions.

When asked if CIOs have a role to play on a company’s board of directors, the most popular response by executives was “absolutely” (46 percent), while only a very small portion (three percent) of respondents stated “not at all.”

“The role of the CIO has evolved over the years into a segmented position, serving both as a primary driver for operational efficiency and change, as well as an elite technologist,” said Richard Spitz, global managing director of Korn/Ferry’s Technology Market. “It’s interesting to contrast the high percentage of respondents who believe that the CIO has a role to play on the board with the low number of CIOs who currently sit on Fortune 1000 boards.  Clearly, there is an opportunity to explore a change in board dynamics by adding this role into the mix.”

The Executive Quiz also surveyed executives on their potential interest in working for a technology company despite volatility in years past.  More than two-thirds (67 percent) said they were either “highly likely” or “likely” to consider a technology industry career path. 

Findings from the Korn/Ferry International Executive Quiz:

Do you believe that CIOs have a role to play on the board of directors? (No. of respondents: 2,043)

• Absolutely - 46 percent
• Somewhat - 29 percent
• Neutral - 11 percent
• Not much - 10 percent
• Not at all - 3 percent

For your next position, would you consider working for a technology company? (No. of respondents: 2,309)

• Highly likely - 34 percent
• Likely - 33 percent
• Neutral - 24 percent
• Unlikely - 7 percent

If you were to take a new position with a technology company, please select which best reflects your preference. (No. of respondents: 2,494)

• Fledgling start-up with small, new management team - 25 percent
• 1-2 year old upstart with established management team - 7 percent
• Established small technology firm - 10 percent
• Established mid-sized technology firm - 32 percent
• Established large technology firm - 16 percent

Do you believe that the technology industry has fully recovered from the “dotcom” recession? (No. of respondents: 2,300)

• Fully - 9 percent
• Somewhat - 62 percent
• Neutral - 13 percent
• Not much - 14 percent
• Not at all - 2 percent

With regards to technology spending, how would you rate the state of the current economy? (No. of respondents: 1,360)

• It is in the midst of a major upswing - 9 percent
• It is beginning to improve - 51 percent
• It appears to be relatively stable - 28 percent
• It is as good as it will get - 5 percent
• It may be poised for another downturn - 7 percent

Do you believe that technology has generally improved or impeded efficiency at your company? (No. of respondents: 2,141)

• Significantly improved - 69 percent
• Somewhat improved - 27 percent
• Neither improved nor impeded - 3 percent
• Somewhat impeded - 1 percent
• Significantly impeded - 1 percent

Methodology
The Korn/Ferry International Executive Quiz is based on a global survey of executives registered within the firm’s online Executive Center, ekornferry.com.  Respondents from nearly 75 countries, representing a wide spectrum of industries and functional areas, participated in the most recent Executive Quiz between May and June 2005.

About Korn/Ferry International
Korn/Ferry International, with more than 70 offices in 35 countries, is the premier provider of executive search, outsourced recruiting and leadership development solutions. Based in Los Angeles, the firm partners with clients worldwide to deliver unparalleled senior-level search, management assessment, coaching and development, and recruitment outsourcing services through its Futurestep subsidiary. For more information, visit the Korn/Ferry International Web site at www.kornferry.com or the Futurestep Web site at www.futurestep.com.

Media Contacts

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Marta Grutka, + 65 6231 6215
marta.grutka@kornferry.com

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Middle East
Mare Elston, + 971 50 652 1236
m.elston@asdaa.com  
                                                                               
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