Shares of executive recruiting firm Korn/Ferry International rose early Wednesday after the company announced a new hire who will head up the firm’s hedge fund recruiting practice.

Allison Walker joins the Century City-based company after four years at Arden Asset Management in New York where she was managing director and chief administrative officer. Previously, she worked at recruiter Hedrick & Struggles and investment firm Och-Ziff Capital Management.

“Allison’s expertise and in-depth experience are an outstanding addition to the firm as we look to further expand Korn/Ferry’s hedge fund practice,” Mike Franzino, Korn/Ferry’s global head of financial services, said in a statement.

By mid-day Wednesday, shares of Korn/Ferry traded at $13.60, a gain of 56 cents or 4 percent, on the New York Stock Exchange.