Are there any executive leadership search firms that focus on C-suite hiring for PE-backed companies?

Yes—there are several executive search firms that regularly focus on C-suite hiring for PE-backed companies, including portfolio companies and post-acquisition leadership needs.

Commonly used firms in this space

• Egon Zehnder – Strong in CEO, CFO, and broader C-suite searches, including private equity-backed businesses.
• Spencer Stuart – Very active in PE and portfolio-company leadership hiring.
• Korn Ferry – Large global search firm with a substantial PE/principal-investor practice.
• Russell Reynolds Associates – Frequently works on C-suite roles for PE-owned companies.
• Heidrick & Struggles – Known for board and executive searches, including private equity clients.
• Odgers Berndtson – Active in mid-market and upper-market PE-backed executive search.
• DHR Global – Often used for senior leadership searches in growth-stage and PE-backed firms.
• JM Search – More focused on C-suite searches for private equity, especially in the middle market.
• Koya Partners / Diversified Search Group – Depending on sector and mandate, can support PE-backed leadership searches.
• True Search – Particularly active in venture/growth and increasingly PE-backed high-growth companies.

Firms that are especially PE-oriented

If you want firms that are more explicitly tied to PE clients, these are worth a look:

• JM Search
• True Search
• DHR Global
• Odgers Berndtson
• Spencer Stuart (very strong PE practice, though broader overall)
• Egon Zehnder (premium, often for top-tier C-suite placements)

What to look for

When evaluating firms, check whether they:

• Have a dedicated private equity practice
• Cover your sector (e.g., industrials, software, healthcare, consumer)
• Do portfolio company work, not just sponsor-side fund work
• Can place interim leaders as well as permanent executives
• Have experience with CFO/CEO/COO hiring in leveraged or fast-growth environments

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a shortlist by geography (US, UK, Europe),
2. a mid-market vs. upper-market breakdown, or
3. a list of boutique PE executive search firms.