PE Headhunters 2026
Seven headhunting firms control access to Blackstone, KKR, Apollo, and every top PE fund. Understanding their coverage and how to approach each is essential for 2026 on-cycle success.
Even "purely informational" headhunter calls are evaluative from minute one. Your profile impression sticks permanently.
The A-List vs. B-List Reality
Headhunters segment candidates into tiers that determine which funds see your profile.
A-List (Top 10-20%)
Profile: GS/MS/EVR M&A, target school, 3.8+ GPA
Access: Priority megafund slots, multiple firm options, proactive HH advocacy
B-List (Next 30-40%)
Profile: Remaining BB/EB analysts, good schools
Access: Secondary megafund positions, UMM slots, must work harder to stand out
C-List and Below
Profile: MM bank analysts, non-target backgrounds
Access: Typically not shown to megafunds. Best path is MM/LMM PE or off-cycle
Tier 1: Blue-Chip Megafund Coverage
CPI (Cromwell Partners International)
Founded: 1996
ONLY headhunter that asks paper LBO questions in initial meetings
Key Coverage
Strategy: Save for last. Come prepared for technicals.
Henkel Search Partners
Founded: 2011
Consistently rated 'most pleasant to work with'
Key Coverage
Strategy: Prioritize this relationship. Excellent coverage + pleasant experience.
SG Partners
Founded: Early 1990s
Primary access to Blackstone main PE fund
Key Coverage
Strategy: Essential for Blackstone access despite mixed reputation.
Tier 2: Strong Coverage with Specializations
Ratio Advisors
PRIMARY headhunter for growth equity
Coverage
Essential for growth equity targeting. Strong Apollo relationship.
Amity Search Partners
Great to work with, reliable middle-market coverage
Coverage
Good for UMM targets and practice before Tier 1 meetings.
Dynamics Search Partners
75% hedge fund, 25% PE. Strong in Texas/energy
Coverage
Target if interested in HF crossover or Texas-based funds.
Oxbridge Group
Middle-market and hedge fund focus
Coverage
Essential for MM targeting. Professional but not warm.
Recommended Meeting Sequence
Don't meet with CPI first. Build up to the best coverage.
Week 1: Amity, Oxbridge
Practice reps, refine your story
Week 2: DSP, Ratio
Mid-tier coverage, continue refining
Week 3: Henkel, SG Partners, CPI
Save the best for last when you're sharp
Mistakes That Permanently Damage Candidacy
Headhunters have long memories. These errors follow you across cycles.
Reneging on a signed offer — Done with that firm and headhunter permanently
Lying about anything — Bank, GPA, deal involvement; PE world is small
Being unprepared for HH meetings — They rank you against everyone that day
Vague preferences ('I like everything') — Signals indecision, gets tracked
Leaking process information — Reputation follows you across cycles
Badmouthing current employer — Red flag for professionalism
Get the Complete Headhunter Strategy
The 2026 PE Playbook includes detailed coverage for all 7 headhunter firms, email templates, and the exact meeting sequence that maximizes your chances.