Executive recruitment firm, Korn/Ferry International, named Paul Reilly chairman and CEO, effective June 30, according to a press release. Reilly, 47, joins Los Angeles-based Korn/Ferry from KPMG International, where he most recently served as CEO of the financial services firm since 1998.

According to the press release, the appointment of Reilly ends a five month search following the announcement by Korn/Ferry’s president and CEO, Windle B. Priem, 63, of his decision to initiate a succession plan, including the process of naming his successor. The search was conducted by Korn/Ferry senior search consultants, guided by a search committee of the Korn/Ferry board of directors.

Meanwhile, Priem, who has been with the firm for 24 years and guided it through its initial public offering in February, 1999, will continue as a Korn/Ferry director.

Korn/Ferry International also appointed its co-founder and long-time chairman, Richard Ferry to the new title of founder chairman. Ferry, 63, has been chairman of the board since 1991 and is also a member of the office of the chief executive. He has served as CEO from May 1991 to April 1997. Ferry also serves on the board of directors of Avery Dennison Corp., Dole Food Company, Mrs. Fields’ Original Cookies, Inc., and Pacific Life Insurance Company.

According to the press release, Korn/Ferry says that the position of president remains open.