International recruiter Hudson has appointed former Adecco Group and Kelly Services senior operating executive Catherine King as its new UK/Ireland/Middle East (Dubai) chief executive.

King’s appointment to Hudson’s global senior leadership team follows former president and chief executive Christine Raynaud’s departure last August. Raynaud, who had led Hudson in Europe since April 2004, took over the UK and Ireland responsibilities on an interim basis from former CEO Andy Rogerson, who stood down in January last year.

King reports directly to Hudson Highland Group chairman and chief executive Jon Chait, and will be responsible for the management and profitable growth of Hudson’s UK, Ireland and Dubai operations.

Chait says: “Catherine brings a stellar industry reputation, proven performance with two other major global players, and nearly 20 years of successful operational leadership to this role.

“She is joining to strategically lead a well-established, successful team. Her efforts at Adecco and Kelly centred on building higher margin, speciality business lines in Finance, IT and other professional disciplines, core to Hudson’s strategy and focus.”