Leadership Team
Founder, Sapere Advisors
Zaid Nesheiwat
Zaid Nesheiwat founded Sapere Advisors to help Private Equity firms, Family Offices, and Independent Sponsors build stronger companies and create lasting value. He partners with investors to design operating systems that drive compounding results across entire portfolios.
Known as the “Ops Guy,” Zaid has led and supported operational transformations in dozens of portfolio companies ranging from $10M to $300M+ in EBITDA. His work has contributed to meaningful improvements in revenue, margins, and enterprise value—and he has been part of award-winning transactions.
From GE to KPS Capital Partners and ORIX Capital Partners, Zaid has worked across the U.S. and internationally—inside factories, with frontline teams, and in boardrooms. That blend of hands-on operating experience and investor perspective shapes Sapere’s approach today.
A proud American citizen, Zaid was naturalized at Faneuil Hall in Boston. He brings grit, clarity, and purpose to every engagement. Outside of work, he’s a proud girl dad and enjoys time on the golf course when he can.
Senior Advisor
Jeff Cardell
With more than 25 years of experience leading operational transformations across global enterprises and private equity-backed companies, Jeff Cardell drives results where they matter.
He has held leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, NCR, and North American Breweries, and served as an operating executive with KPS Capital Partners—one of the most operationally focused private equity firms in the world. A Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Jeff has helped drive enterprise-wide improvements, contributing to hundreds of millions in value creation.
At Sapere Advisors, Jeff works with clients on strategic execution, manufacturing optimization, and leadership development, with a strong track record of turning underperformance into competitive advantage. Jeff is known for building high-impact teams and delivering sustainable results across the portfolio lifecycle.
When he’s not spending time with his grandchildren or traveling with his wife, Jeff enjoys working with his hands. He is an avid wood worker who can transform an ordinary piece of lumber into something unique.
