Executive search and HR firm Norman Broadbent has promoted Krista Walochik to CEO.

Walochik was formerly in charge of the firm’s Spanish business, which is split between headhunting and management services. She will replace Doug Bugie, who will step down but stay on as executive director on the board of parent BNB.

Walochik, who has worked for the firm for more than 10 years, told Recruiter: “I am absolutely delighted – there is no question that Norman Broadbent has one of the best reputations in executive search.

“Despite this heritage the company has seen some difficult times. But Doug succeeded in turning everything round – a Herculean task.”

Walochik will work on providing an all-round consultative service for clients, focusing on executive search and also benchmarking internal candidates and succession planning.

Another challenge is to ensure the firm retains its top consultants. But Walochik said: “Working for us, the consultants get a more satisfactory environment because they get to build long-term relationships with clients. But managing all this can be a bit like managing the Bolshoi Ballet.”