Three-Quarters of Executives Believe That CIOs Have a Role to Play on the Board of Directors

LOS ANGELES, July 13 /PRNewswire/ --

- Majority Would Also Consider Working for a Technology Company -

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), the premier provider of executive search, outsourced recruiting and leadership development 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? (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? (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. (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? (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? (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? (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.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Richard A. Spitz http://profnet.prnewswire.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=514707

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