Pearson Partners International Appoints William D. Rowe II Managing Partner

DALLAS, TEXAS, February 14, 2006 - Pearson Partners International, Inc., a global retained executive search firm, has named William D. Rowe II as Managing Partner. Mr. Rowe was previously a Vice President in the firm’s Dallas office.

Prior to joining Pearson Partners International, Mr. Rowe was the former Managing Director of the Dallas practice of Foster Partners, global retained executive search. Recently promoted from Vice President to Managing Partner, Mr. Rowe has conducted assignments for a broad range of industries on a global basis including: Energy, Food Manufacturing, Foodservice, Consumer Products, Professional Services, Communications, Entertainment, Not-for-Profit, Financial Services and both Light & Industrial Manufacturing. Additionally, due to Pearson Partners International’s focus on serving the LBO/VC/Private Equity sector, Mr. Rowe has developed strong relationships within this market and has successfully conducted numerous assignments for key leadership positions in their portfolio companies.

Prior to joining Foster Partners in 1993, Mr. Rowe gained broad retained search experience at a global level while working for Paul Ray Berndtson as a research analyst. Previously, Mr. Rowe provided market research and competitive analysis information to determine market vibrancy for de novo bank formations for a banking services company in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Rowe holds a B.A. in history from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

"Bill has been an integral part of our team at Pearson Partners International since our inception," said Robert Pearson, Chief Executive Officer. "He consistently delivers exceptional service to our clients with professionalism, capability and integrity. I look forward to his continued contribution to the management and future direction of our firm, especially during this exciting time of our growth and expansion.”

About Pearson Partners International, Inc.

Pearson Partners International has a long history of successful performance in the retained executive search industry across a multitude of industries and disciplines. Our partners share a common commitment to quality service, long-term client relationships and direct partner involvement.

Bob Pearson, Chief Executive Officer, was previously Chairman and CEO of LAI Worldwide, one of the largest and the fastest-growing public (NASDAQ) executive search firms in the world.

We have an evolving global network of offices that provides us the capability to serve our clients’ needs in all multi-national markets including the Americas, Asia and Europe, and across all industries and disciplines from the middle management level to the boardroom.

CONTACT
Keith D. Pearson
Pearson Partners International, Inc.
8080 N. Central Expressway, Suite 1200
Dallas, TX 75206
214.292.4130
kpear@pearsonpartnersintl.com
www.pearsonpartnersintl.com