HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ZT Automotive, the automotive portfolio entity of ZT Corporate, today announced several key leadership hires, reflecting a dynamic growth period during the first half of 2024. The announcement builds on a refreshed strategy announced last year to transform the automotive group, creating deeper alignment across its dealerships that drives operational efficiencies and an enhanced customer journey.
Taseer Badar, Chairman and CEO of ZT Corporate and CEO of ZT Automotive, said, “ZT Automotive’s success is a result of the unwavering commitment we have to our team, customers and communities where we operate. Our current employees and the new team members that we’ve recently welcomed are the driving force of our organization. We announced our new President and Operating Partner Zeeshan Shaikh less than one year ago, and in that period, he’s built a team to help us increase our year over year retail unit sales nearly 70 percent and our service revenue over 33 percent. With additional team members in place, we’re able to sustain our goals for growth that benefits our investors and key stakeholders.”
ZT Automotive welcomes industry veterans from top-tier dealership groups and experts with backgrounds in high-end retail and a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
Enhancing Operational Execution Capabilities
- Danny Bass, Chief Financial Officer, has extensive industry experience, most recently serving as CFO with a private automotive group. His background includes 15 years at Group 1 Automotive as Vice President of Transactional Accounting and 10 years at Sonic Automotive as Market Controller. He has expertise in dealership processes and procedures that will enhance ZT Automotive’s reporting capabilities, accounting efficiencies and internal controls.
- Ric Moreno, Market Director, brings more than 30 years of blue-chip automotive experience, including over eight years as Market Director at Group 1 Automotive where he oversaw operations across North and Central Texas.
- Mustafa Qureshey, Regional Fixed Operations Director, has nearly two decades of Fixed Operations experience, previously working at Asbury and Napleton Automotive Group. He has managed over $220M in revenue as a Regional Fixed Operations Director.
- Tyler West, Regional Pre-owned Director, brings over 10 years of industry experience and a proven track record in driving sales growth and operational efficiency. His expertise has been instrumental in enhancing ZT Automotive’s pre-owned vehicle operations and customer satisfaction across the region.
- John Haines, Regional Pre-owned Director, brings over 15 years of industry experience and a history of boosting sales growth and operational efficiency. He will focus on improving current pre-owned vehicle operations and customer satisfaction across the region.
Elevating Client Service
- Judy Ku, Chief Customer Officer, has 20 years of experience in customer relations management and luxury retail, including Giorgio Armani and LVMH. She will help shape the client journey across ZT Automotive, enhancing the experience at every touchpoint.
- Jacqueline Chen, Vice President of Client Relations, brings together expertise in CRM, merchandising, planning and luxury retail management from Giorgio Armani and LVMH to deliver an unmatched customer experience at ZT Automotive.
“We have significant momentum at ZT Automotive and are implementing a best-in-class structure to our business, ranging from financial operations to redefining the customer journey,” said Zeeshan Shaikh, President and Operating Partner of ZT Automotive. “In addition, we’ve built a robust middle management bench of industry veterans to ensure we remain nimble, efficient and prioritize the customer and key stakeholders.”
In May 2024, ZT Automotive announced its expansion to 13 dealerships and market entry to Alabama following the acquisition of four Greenway Automotive group stores. The move deepened its relationship with Toyota and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT while building new partnerships with Honda and Nissan.
About ZT Automotive
ZT Automotive, formerly ZT Motors, was founded in 2015 and has become one of the fastest-growing verticals within ZT Corporate's portfolio. ZT Automotive operates automotive dealerships in Texas, Florida, Georgia and Alabama for Toyota, BMW, Chevrolet, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, GMC, Buick, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT, Honda and Nissan. ZT Automotive 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. For more information: www.ztcorporate.com
