ZT Corporate Appoints Operating Partner of its Automotive Portfolio, ZT Motors

Zeeshan Shaikh to oversee one of nation’s top minority-owned auto groups while driving growth strategy and value creation; ZT Motors to rebrand in coming months

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ZT Corporate, a private equity firm that specializes in healthcare and automotive investments, today announced it has appointed Zeeshan Shaikh as Operating Partner. In this role he will lead the automotive portfolio entity, ZT Motors, as it embarks on transformative changes to lead the industry through next-gen technologies and operational efficiencies that put the buyer front and center. Shaikh brings nearly 14 years of auto industry experience from Group 1 Automotive, specifically around audit, finance, operations and compliance.

“We’re embarking on an exciting new era and structure for ZT Motors, and welcoming Zeeshan to the team is a critical piece of our strategy,” said Taseer Badar, Chairman and CEO of ZT Corporate and CEO of ZT Motors. “After Zeeshan’s joining ZT Corporate, I have assumed the active role of CEO of ZT Motors and will be fully involved in our automotive business plan alongside Zeeshan. He will be an asset to align our nine dealerships across Texas, Florida and Georgia; implement new technologies; create operational excellence and efficiencies; and identify new areas of expansion that create value for our investors.”

“I am focused on bringing our people and processes together to create a sophisticated automotive portfolio that is paving the way for ‘what’s next’ in the industry,” said Zeeshan Shaikh, Operating Partner of ZT Corporate’s automotive portfolio entity, ZT Motors. “ZT Motors is building momentum for a dynamic period in our business, fueled by growth, digital transformation and up leveling the way we operate across our dealership footprint.”

Most recently, Shaikh launched a successful startup providing a digital platform that enhances relationships and loyalty between automotive retailers and their customers. Prior to that, he served as Manager, Pre-Owned Operations and F&I Compliance at Group 1 Automotive, an international Fortune 300 automotive retailer. During this time, he developed the pre-owned operations and processes within the corporate office, launched the Val-U-Line project (a proprietary brand for high mileage pre-owned vehicles), built an internal online buying center with an upgraded internal auction capability, implemented a new transportation infrastructure, developed a pre-owned vehicle pricing platform, and enhanced technologies and processes. He also managed the launch of the audit functions within the company’s UK and Brazil operations. Earlier in his career, he held positions at PKF Texas, Chicago Bridge & Iron and IBM Global Process Services.

Earlier this year, ZT Corporate announced a liquidity event for its investors through a strategic management buyout of ZT Motors. The liquidity event generated multiple on invested capital (MOIC) for investors ranging from 2.33X-2.43X despite current adverse market conditions and recent industry challenges. Under the new ownership of Badar, changes are underway to revamp the leadership structure. Additionally, a major rebranding of ZT Motors is expected in the coming months.

About ZT Motors

ZT Motors was founded in 2015 and has become one of the fastest-growing verticals within ZT Corporate's portfolio. ZT Motors operates automotive dealerships in Texas, Florida and Georgia for Toyota, BMW, Chevrolet, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, GMC, Buick and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. ZT Motors was recognized as one of the top 150 auto groups in the nation in 2023.

About ZT Corporate

Established in 1997, ZT Corporate is a Houston-based private equity firm with offices in New York and Los Angeles. The firm focuses on healthcare and auto dealerships as core investment verticals. ZT Corporate’s investment team collaborates with its operators to support the day-to-day operations of the firm’s portfolio investments. This close collaboration drives value creation by developing stronger operator-investor relationships, cross-functional expertise, and a deeper understanding of the target industries. Since its founding, ZT Corporate has successfully completed more than 60+ investments, including platform companies and follow-on opportunities with multiple liquidity events for its investors. The team provides full-service wealth management services to its clients and investors and creates value through a broad range of financial channels, including traditional and alternative investments. For more information: www.ztcorporate.com