Who’s who in PE recruiting: Top private equity recruiting firms you should know

Finding the right talent is critical. In the private equity landscape, a single hire can shift the trajectory of a portfolio company or even impact the performance of an entire fund. In particular, the stakes are higher, the timelines shorter, and the margin for error smaller. In this environment, choosing the right recruiting partner becomes a critical decision for firms and their portfolio companies.

Your next hire could be the difference between a record-breaking exit and a missed opportunity. So, how do you find a recruiting partner who can make that difference?

Quick recap: Answers to key questions

• What does a private equity recruiting firm do? → Find out how private equity recruiters specialize in talent for funds and portfolio companies.
• How do PE recruiters differ from generalist firms? → Understand their unique skills and deep candidate evaluation.
• Who hires PE recruiting firms and for what roles? → Learn which clients use PE recruiters, and which positions they fill.
• What is the typical PE hiring process? → See the main steps from assessing needs to onboarding.
• Which are the top private equity hiring firms? → Explore our ranked list with firm focus and strengths.
• Who better suits my needs, boutique or global private equity recruiters? → Compare pros and cons for different firm sizes and hiring needs.
• What should I consider when choosing a PE recruiter? → Use our checklist to evaluate expertise, fit, networks, and process.

What does a private equity recruiting firm do?

A private equity recruiting firm is a specialized recruitment agency that tracks down talent for PE firms and their portfolio companies. In doing so, it helps clients navigate a competitive hiring landscape where the right leadership impacts deal outcomes and value creation.

According to Nat Schiffer, managing partner at The Christopher Group, the biggest challenge for the private equity sector is recruiting the best-suited talent.

“PE firms often compete with other financial services firms, technology companies, start-ups, and other industries for the limited pool of qualified talent with the necessary skill sets and experience for the PE industry,” he said. “The intense competition for top talent can make it challenging to attract and retain qualified candidates who may have multiple options.“

The distinctive features of PE recruiting firms include the following:

• Specialization in PE-specific roles — recruitment for operating partners, investment professionals (analyst to partner), and C-suite leaders in finance, operations, and strategy.
• Support for both PE firms and portfolio companies — across deal teams, operating groups, and executive leadership throughout the fund lifecycle.
• Adaptability to PE hiring demands — fast timelines, confidential searches, and alignment with fund strategy.
• Sourcing through specialized channels — using proprietary databases, sector-specific networks, and market intelligence to reach top active and passive candidates.
• Focus on building leadership that delivers results — place executives who drive EBITDA growth, lead value creation, and position businesses for successful exits.

How do PE recruiters differ from generalist firms?

Compared to general recruiters, private equity recruiting firms:

• Have specialized expertise in the unique skills and culture needed in private equity
• Understand the dynamic and competitive nature of PE hiring and the importance of confidentiality
• Can source active and passive candidates who fit specific requirements
• Provide a more thorough candidate evaluation process, including assessing technical skills and cultural fit relevant to PE
• Offer tailored advice on market trends, compensation, and candidate availability

Who hires PE recruiting firms?

• Private equity firms use recruiters to fill investment roles at all levels, from analysts and associates to managing directors and partners, as well as internal operating professionals and investor relations specialists.
• PE-backed portfolio companies engage recruiters to hire C-suite and senior leadership roles critical to executing the investment thesis (e.g., driving growth, improving operations, or preparing for exit).
• Family offices and institutional investors occasionally tap PE recruiters for leadership roles in direct investing teams or co-investment platforms.

What does the typical recruiting process involve?

Usually, the process is broken down in the following way:

Private equity headhunters are trusted and valuable partners that bring industry expertise, targeted search capabilities, and a deep understanding of the PE talent landscape. This makes them essential for firms looking to hire leaders who can perform in a demanding private equity-focused environment.

Top private equity recruiting firms

This overview helps you quickly compare key players, their areas of focus, client types, core strengths, and geographic reach. Thus, you will identify the right recruiting partners for your private equity talent needs.

1. Spencer Stuart

Global reach | Leadership advisory for PE firms and portfolio companies

Spencer Stuart with over 70 years of experience and more than 3,000 private equity assignments in the past decade, Spencer Stuart is a global leader in executive search. The firm specializes in placing CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and board leaders, with over 25% of its searches dedicated to private equity roles. Spencer Stuart offers integrated services, including pre-deal diligence, succession planning, executive coaching, and organizational culture advisory.

2. Oxbridge Group

USA | Investment talent for PE and hedge funds

Oxbridge Group places investment and corporate strategy professionals across private equity, growth equity, credit, venture capital, and hedge fund strategies. With over 20 years of experience, the firm has a strong track record in investment roles and corporate development for portfolio companies. Oxbridge Group builds long-term, high-touch relationships and offers deep expertise across multiple asset classes.

3. DHR Global

Global | Value-creation leaders for PE and portfolio companies

DHR Global brings over 35 years of experience in executive search and leadership advisory. Known for fast delivery and tailored solutions, DHR places top executives, especially “Value Accelerator” CEOs and CFOs, into private equity-backed firms. The firm also provides board services, succession planning, and has deep expertise across industries, functions, and regions.

4. Long Ridge Partners

Global | Niche investment and value creation talent

Long Ridge Partners is a trusted partner for PE and alternative investment firms, specializing in hard-to-fill roles across investment, IR, ESG, and capital markets. Their customized, strategy-aligned recruitment process and deep industry relationships set them apart. With a global network, Long Ridge has executed placements in 15+ major markets.

5. PeopleSuite Talent Solutions

USA | Speed and fit for mid-level and executive hires

PeopleSuite delivers executive and mid-level talent with a hybrid approach combining retained and contingency search. They specialize in finance, operations, HR, and sales roles within private equity and portfolio companies. Their focus is on speed, cultural fit, and delivery, supported by strong expertise in operational and supply chain leadership.

6. Glocap Search

USA | Full-spectrum recruiting for PE and investment management

Glocap offers executive search and staffing across front- and back-office roles in the private equity and investment management space. Their database includes over 750,000 candidates, and their services range from permanent placement to temporary staffing and tech recruiting. Glocap supports clients from startups to institutional firms with a flexible, multi-divisional model.

7. SG Partners

USA | Strategic search backed by data and insight

SG Partners is known for its focus on private equity roles spanning buyout, venture, secondaries, GP stakes, and fund of funds. The firm blends data-driven market intelligence with deep industry expertise, offering clients real-time insights into candidate trends and hiring best practices. Their long-term, advisory-led model makes them a go-to for strategic talent acquisition.

8. Heidrick & Struggles

Global | Leadership consulting and culture transformation

Heidrick & Struggles brings decades of global experience in executive search and leadership consulting. Known for their work with Fortune 1000 companies, they offer solutions ranging from inclusive hiring to culture transformation and on-demand talent. Their vast network and consulting capability make them a strong choice for PE firms focused on long-term leadership and organizational health.

9. Korn Ferry

Global | AI-Driven leadership and succession planning

Korn Ferry combines executive search with leadership development and AI-powered insights. With more than 10,000 employees globally, the firm supports PE firms and portfolio companies through board advisory, succession planning, and leadership pipeline building. Their track record in diverse talent acquisition and data-backed hiring strategies is especially valuable for growth-focused firms.

10. Altus Partners

Europe | PE-focused finance and leadership talent

Altus Partners specializes in executive search for PE investment, M&A, and portfolio finance roles. They offer advisory support in leadership assessment, organizational structure, and commercial strategy, with a strong focus on European markets. Known for placing Chairmen, CFOs, and other senior finance leaders, they bring a flexible, culturally sensitive approach tailored to PE-backed businesses.

*Note: All information about top recruiting firms for private equity has been sourced from each firm’s official website and LinkedIn profile for accuracy and relevance.

Boutique vs. global recruiting firms: Pros and cons

When choosing a private equity recruiting partner, firms typically weigh two types of providers: boutique executive search firms and global recruiting firms. Both have advantages depending on the scope, urgency, and complexity of the search.

Boutique PE recruiting firms

These PE headhunters are smaller agencies that often focus on private equity and alternative investments. They typically work with a limited number of private equity clients at a time, offering highly personalized service and deep industry focus.

Pros:

• Deep understanding of private equity roles, culture, and expectations
• Close working relationships with partners and principals; hands-on attention throughout the process
• Lean teams and short lines of communication often mean faster turnaround times
• Fewer client conflicts allow broader access to top candidates

Cons:

• May lack global reach or industry breadth for multi-country searches
• May not scale easily for large or multi-role hiring mandates
• Some boutiques may lack formalized assessment tools or leadership consulting offerings

Best suited for:

• Mid-market or growth equity firms
• Portfolio company leadership roles
• Firms seeking high-touch service and sector-specific expertise

Global private equity executive search firms

These recruiting firms operate at scale, with extensive teams, international reach, and cross-sector expertise. Many have dedicated PE practices but also serve large corporations and institutional investors.

Pros:

• Access to international candidate pools and cross-border search capabilities
• Can provide leadership assessment, culture advisory, onboarding support, and succession planning
• Standardized methodologies, research resources, and tech-enabled insights.
• Often seen as credible partners for top-tier or publicly visible leadership hires.

Cons:

• Large client rosters may restrict access to candidates in certain firms.
• Broader coverage means they may not be as specialized in the nuances of the private equity industry.
• Searches may be led by senior partners but executed by broader teams.

Best suited for:

• Large-cap or global PE firms
• High-profile C-suite and board searches
• Firms seeking comprehensive leadership advisory alongside recruiting

The choice depends on the firm’s size, the hire’s strategic importance, and the level of specialization required. Boutique PE recruiting agencies often shine in sector-specific, relationship-driven searches. Global firms, in turn, add value in high-scale, multi-region, or multi-function mandates.

PE recruiter selection checklist

To best evaluate whether a recruiter is the right fit for your private equity hiring needs, consider the following:

1. Private equity expertise

• Do they specialize in private equity recruitment?
• Do they understand fund structures, exit timelines, and value creation models?
• Have they placed candidates in similar investment strategies (buyout, growth, venture, etc.)?

2. Role and function fit

• Do they focus on the type of role you’re hiring for? (e.g., investment, operating partner, CFO)
• Do they have functional expertise aligned with the position?
• Have they placed similar roles at firms like yours?

3. Client relevance and track record

• Do their clients match your size, stage, or sector (e.g., mid-market, large-cap, sector-focused)?
• Can they demonstrate successful placements for comparable searches?
• Do they offer client references or case studies?

4. Speed and process quality

• Can they meet your timeline without sacrificing candidate quality?
• Do they provide clear communication and milestone updates?
• How many candidates do they usually present and how quickly?

5. Access to talent

• Do they have strong networks in your target talent pool?
• Can they reach passive candidates who aren’t actively job-seeking?
• Do they use proprietary databases or sector-specific strategies for private equity talent sourcing?

6. Candidate assessment and strategic fit

• Do they evaluate cultural and strategic fit, not just credentials?
• Do they provide leadership assessment or due diligence services?
• Do they offer post-placement support or onboarding help?

7. Sector and geographic coverage

• Are they familiar with your industry or investment focus?
• Do they operate in the regions where you’re hiring?
• Are they better suited for global searches or local market insight?

What to do next?

Once you’ve answered the questions above:

• Shortlist private equity firms that check the most important boxes for your specific hiring goals.
• Initiate conversations with top private equity recruiters to understand their approach and recent successful placements.
• Clarify your needs — share your deal thesis, hiring priorities, and culture expectations.
• Agree on scope and process — discuss timelines, role definitions, and success metrics.

Key takeaways

• Private equity recruiting is a high-stakes, specialized search process where private equity professionals find leaders to accelerate value creation. It typically involves deep discovery, targeted sourcing, rigorous evaluation, and onboarding aligned with the fund’s investment strategy and the portfolio company’s growth goals.
• Top PE recruiting firms combine industry focus, speed, and precision. They understand fund structures, hire across deal and operating teams, and access talent networks that generalist firms often can’t reach.
• Boutique recruiters offer hands-on attention and deep private equity expertise. Global firms bring broader coverage and multi-market reach. The right choice depends on your hiring needs, scope, and desired level of customization.
• A structured evaluation checklist helps you assess recruiter fit, including their private equity experience, functional specialization, talent access, and execution capabilities.