The Northwest’s Trusted Private Equity Executive Search Firm

As an experienced Private Equity search firm, we understand the unique PE-backed company approach with your portfolio investments as professional operators. Our executive search track record of nationwide search ensures you have the right executive leadership to increase your portfolio returns and investment thesis.

Further due diligence on our PE track record: Nov 2025 – Recent Search Wins & Key Metrics

Few recent Private Equity placement announcements:
Sagetech – CFO (Columbia River Partners)
Hallcon – Director of EV Operations (GCM Grosvenor / Blue Wolf Capital Partners)
ServiceMaster of Tacoma – Controller (Taurus Capital / Hidden River Strategic Capital)
Cortland International – Chief Commercial Officer (Aimia)
Superior Fruit Equipment – VP of Sales (Bochi Investments)
Columbia Distributing – SVP Finance/CFO (Meritage Capital)
CTL – CEO (Columbia River Partners)
President & COO – Patriot Erectors (Ranch Creek Partners)
Cascade Coffee – VP Accounting (LaSalle Capital / Westward Partners)

Partnering with Private Equity Firms for Executive Search: Building High-Performance Teams

Private equity firms across the Pacific Northwest and beyond understand that portfolio company performance is directly tied to the quality of leadership. At Herd Freed Hartz, we are a premier private equity executive recruiter dedicated to placing transformative leaders who thrive in fast-paced, results-driven environments. Our executive search and leadership capabilities ensure that we identify and place leaders who can drive significant impact. With over $1.2 trillion in global dry powder as of 2024 (Preqin), the pressure to deploy capital effectively has never been greater. That means having the right executives in place—and keeping them there in a cutthroat job market.

As a trusted executive search firm for private equity firms, we specialize in recruiting leaders who excel in sponsor-backed companies. Our executive recruiters leverage industry connections and proven strategies to identify top talent for private equity firms. From high-growth scaleups to mature portfolio businesses undergoing transformation, we bring a proven track record of identifying C-level talent who drive enterprise value.

Example: In a nationwide CFO search for Les Schwab in Bend, OR, we partnered with the CEO to identify a leader with the right cultural alignment, track record, and the ability to operate effectively in a PE/family-office backed business led by Meritage Group.

Why Executive Search for Private Equity Portfolio Companies Requires a Specialized Approach

Recruiting executives for private equity-backed companies is distinct, especially within the C-suite. These leaders must combine entrepreneurial agility with operational rigor, and they must thrive under sponsor oversight while executing growth strategies in lean environments. According to Bain & Company’s 2024 Private Equity Report, 70% of value creation now comes from operational improvements and top-line growth—not just financial engineering.

Understanding company culture is essential in evaluating executives to ensure the success of the business, its employees, and its investors.

Our private equity executive search practice is built on this understanding. We identify leaders who bring:

• Sponsor-savvy mindset and strategic acumen
• Track records of delivering rapid growth and margin expansion
• Adaptability to dynamic, evolving business conditions
• A larger pool of qualified candidates through our specialized executive search processes

Case Study: During a President & COO search for Patriot Erectors in Austin, TX, we worked closely with the CEO and the private equity group at Ranch Creek Partners to align leadership capabilities with both operational execution and strategic scaling.

Regional Expertise. National Executive Search Capabilities.

While we’re deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest—with strong networks in Seattle, Portland, Boise, and Spokane—our reach is national. We serve a full spectrum of clients, including private equity firms, venture capitalists, and institutional investors, bringing a unique blend of local insight and national executive search expertise to every PE leadership engagement.

We understand the importance of cultural fit, regional nuance, and the specific needs of different industries when placing leaders in PE portfolio companies. Many of our placements involve:

• First-time CEOs stepping into PE-backed roles
• Experienced operators ready to scale with a portfolio company
• Functional leaders such as CFOs, COOs, and CMOs who thrive in sponsor-led settings

Example: For CTL in Portland, a private equity-owned EdTech company, we led a nationwide CEO search. Ultimately, we secured a strong local leader with proven scale-up and exit experience aligned with the PE thesis for growth and value creation.

Private Equity Executive Search: Best Practices for Today’s Market

In today’s dynamic hiring landscape, private equity firms must adapt quickly. Top executive candidates are selective, compensation dynamics are shifting, and hybrid work remains a consideration. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Human Capital Trends report, the most successful firms are those with agile talent strategies and compelling executive value propositions. Staying updated with talent trends in the private equity sector is crucial for navigating these challenges effectively.

At Herd Freed Hartz, we guide our private equity partners through a rigorous, structured executive recruiting process:

• Defining mission-critical leadership roles
• Aligning on investment thesis and desired outcomes
• Crafting a market-facing narrative that attracts top-tier candidates

We go beyond recruiting—we help our partners invest in building the executive foundation for long-term portfolio company success.

Your Trusted Private Equity Executive Search Partner

At Herd Freed Hartz, we understand private equity leadership. As a dedicated private equity executive search firm, we combine high-touch service with data-informed insights to deliver results. We partner closely with PE sponsors, portfolio company CEOs, and boards to place leaders who not only fit the role—but elevate the business, driving the firm’s success.

Whether you’re hiring a CEO, CFO, COO, or building out a full leadership team for a newly acquired business, we’re here to help. We specialize in filling C-suite roles and other leadership positions, ensuring your team is equipped for success. Discover why PE firms trust us to recruit the leadership talent that drives growth, scale, and exit value.

Connect with Us Ready to strengthen your portfolio’s leadership bench? Let’s discuss your private equity executive recruiting needs today