PITTSBURGH, Pa., Sept. 1, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Development Dimensions International (DDI), the global consultancy dedicated to helping clients build strong leadership capability, today announced that Tacy M. Byham, Ph.D., has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding her father, Chairman and former Chief Executive, William (Bill) C. Byham, Ph.D. Bill founded the company in 1970 and will continue as Executive Chairman. In other moves, Ronald R. Dalesio, formerly Executive Vice President, was named President, succeeding Robert W. Rogers, who will assume the title, President Emeritus. These and other senior-management transitions are part of a planned succession process initiated more than 12 months earlier.

Most companies announce their senior-level transitions only one to three months in advance and in too short a time frame to select and prepare them or their organization. By contrast, leveraging the principles in DDI’s seminal book on succession management, Grow Your Own Leaders, DDI adopted the philosophy to transition leaders sooner. During transition, our leaders wear two hats—one to work with their successors transitioning their current responsibilities and the other to learn as much as they can about their new positions and teams from the people holding those jobs.

During her 19 years at DDI, Tacy spearheaded major strategic initiatives such as the creation of DDI’s Executive Development Practice and award-winning front-line leader development programs. She also managed the development of succession management and learning architectures for key clients and took on numerous international assignments. “This was always the ultimate destination for Tacy,” stated Bill Byham. “Tacy has moved throughout our global organization with purposeful intent and has been keenly involved in all functions. She fosters innovation and embraces technology at every turn. She is the ideal leader to take our company forward.”

Tacy, an acclaimed speaker and author of the new book, Your First Leadership Job with co-author Rich Wellins, Ph.D., is passionate about empowering all leaders to declare their true worth and ignite impact in the workplace. She also advocates for mentoring and other issues facing working women. Tacy earned a Ph.D. and M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Akron and a B.A. in Mathematics and Computer Science from Mount Holyoke College.

During Ron’s tenure, he oversaw the globalization of DDI, including the start-up of 18 offices in 14 countries. “The world of work and how people learn, select, develop and promote is changing with the speed of change,” stated Tacy. “Ron and I look forward to maximizing the opportunities created from this change to build upon what we already know creates impact for organizations.”

Additional senior-level management transitions include: Scott Erker, Ph.D., to Senior Vice President of U.S. Operations. In September, 2014, additional transitions included: Patsy Tsao, named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Audrey Smith, Ph.D., to Senior Vice President, Talent Diagnostic Solutions and Barry Stern, Ph.D., to Senior Vice President, Accelerated Development Solutions.

Available for Interviews:
Tacy M. Byham, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, DDI
William C. Byham, Ph.D., Executive Chairman, DDI
Ronald R. Dalesio, President, DDI

About Development Dimensions International

Founded in 1970, DDI is a global talent management consultancy that helps companies transform the way they hire, promote and develop their leaders. DDI’s expertise includes identifying and developing frontline leaders to executives. Clients include half of the Fortune 500 and multinationals doing business across a vast array of industries from Berlin to Bangalore and everywhere in between. We serve clients from 42 DDI-owned or closely affiliated offices. www.ddiworld.com.

A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=35731

CONTACT: DDI Contact:										
         Dianne Stetzer
         [email protected]
         412-257-3623