ConAgra Foods, Inc., Omaha, Neb., said it hired Andrew George Ross as executive vice president and chief strategy officer, reporting to Gary Rodkin, CEO. Officials said Ross will lead the company’s strategic planning process, with specific responsibility for developing strategies that align with the company’s growth ambitions.

“Andrew has 20-plus years of experience in developing growth strategies for businesses around the world,” said Rodkin. “That background will serve him well as he leads the company’s strategic planning process and proactively seeks and evaluates business development opportunities. This is a new position for ConAgra Foods, one that we believe will be a catalyst for stronger growth from our core, private label and international businesses.”

Ross previously was a partner at McKinsey & Company, Inc., where he led the firm’s global consumer, retail and marketing practices. Prior to that, he worked for William Grant & Sons, Ltd. in Glasgow, Scotland and McKinsey & Company in London. A native of Scotland, Ross earned his Master of Management degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management and his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Edinburgh.