DRI Featured on Hunt Scanlon Private Equity Recruiting Power 100 and Executive Search Review

June 2, 2025

Solon, OH – Direct Recruiters, Inc. (DRI), a Starfish Partners company and leading executive search firm, is proud to announce its inclusion in Hunt Scanlon Media’s prestigious Private Equity Recruiting Power 100 list for 2025. This annual ranking recognizes a roundup of the 100 most prominent executive search firms serving the private equity sector, highlighting those that consistently deliver top-tier leadership talent to growth-focused portfolio companies.

This recognition underscores DRI’s deep expertise and growing impact within the private equity space, particularly in building high-performance executive teams across healthcare, technology, industrial, and professional services verticals.

Adding to the honor, Mike Silverstein, Managing Partner and Director of DRI’s Private Equity Practice, was featured in Hunt Scanlon’s Executive Search Review newsletter. In the article, Mike provided insights on the evolving playbook private equity firms are using to identify and retain executive talent in today’s dynamic market. He shared how private equity firms are prioritizing candidates who can deliver measurable impact quickly, emphasizing speed to value, proven PE experience, and KPI-driven execution. Mike also highlighted the growing importance of 360-degree reference checks to identify authentic, trusted leaders who inspire followership—not just manage upward.

DRI partners with PE firms and their portfolio companies to source, attract, and retain top talent across C-level and senior executive roles. Our tailored, consultative approach helps clients navigate the unique leadership demands at every stage of the investment lifecycle.