John Scheidt is a Managing Director in ZRG’s Industrial Practice in Chicago, specializing in retained executive search across the industrial, manufacturing, distribution, and services sectors. He partners with private equity firms, portfolio companies, publicly traded organizations, and privately held businesses to recruit senior executives who drive growth, operational performance, and enterprise value. His work spans a broad range of industrial businesses, including engineered products, industrial distribution, multi-site manufacturing, field services, and other operationally complex environments.​

John has extensive experience working with private equity-backed and founder-led companies navigating leadership transitions, organizational transformation, organic growth, and acquisition-driven expansion. He takes a highly engaged, hands-on approach to executive search, working closely with investors, boards, and leadership teams to understand their businesses, assess leadership capabilities, and identify executives who align with an organization’s strategic objectives and culture. His approach combines deep industry knowledge, rigorous assessment, and a commitment to building long-term client relationships.​

John has been with ZRG since 2014 and has held progressively senior roles within the firm’s Industrial Practice, advancing from Search Consultant to Principal and, subsequently, Managing Director. Earlier in his career, John worked in investment banking and education, experiences that contribute to his thoughtful, learning-oriented approach to each search and client engagement.​