About Desswood Advisors
Desswood Advisors is an independent advisory practice founded by Andrew Ross. We work with founders, CEOs, boards, and investors in beauty and consumer companies on growth strategy, liquidity planning, M&A, and post-merger integration.
The practice focuses on two core challenges: building brands worth acquiring, and making sure acquirers don't destroy what they bought. Whether you're scaling toward a liquidity event or integrating an acquisition, the work centers on protecting and creating value through strategic clarity and disciplined execution.
About Andrew Ross
Andrew Ross was EVP of Strategy, M&A and Integration at Estée Lauder Companies and EVP of Strategy and M&A at ConAgra Foods, where he led corporate strategy, acquisitions, divestitures, and post-acquisition integration. Previously, he was a Partner at McKinsey & Company.
He is the Founder of Desswood Advisors and a Senior Advisor to private equity and venture capital funds, advises beauty and consumer companies on growth and M&A strategy, and serves on four private company boards.
Andrew writes about the expensive mistakes, and occasional successes, he's learned from on both sides of the table. His book, Hugged to Death: A Practitioner's Guide to M&A Integration, will be published in June 2026.
Experience
The Estée Lauder Companies — EVP of Strategy, M&A and Integration
Led corporate strategy, M&A evaluation, deal execution, and post-merger integration across a portfolio of prestige beauty brands.
ConAgra Foods — EVP of Strategy and M&A
Directed corporate strategy, acquisitions, divestitures, and integration work across food and consumer brands.
McKinsey & Company — Partner
Advised Fortune 500 companies on strategy, M&A, and organizational transformation.
Current Roles
- Founder, Desswood Advisors
- Senior Advisor to private equity and venture capital funds
- Board member for four private consumer companies
- Advisor to beauty and consumer brands from early stage through exit