US food maker ConAgra Foods has today (17 November) appointed Andrew Ross to the newly-created role of chief strategy officer.

The company said Ross will lead is expected to develop strategies that will support the its growth ambitions.

“That background will serve him well as he leads the company’s strategic planning process and proactively seeks and evaluates business development opportunities, said ConAgra CEO Gary Rodkin.

“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.”

Prior to joining ConAgra Foods, Ross was a partner at McKinsey & Co and also worked for William Grant & Sons.

One of ConAgra’s key growth strategies that has been made public is boosting its private-label operations. The company failed to buy private-label company Ralcorp Holdings but is set to acquire National Pretzel Co. for an undisclosed sum. Analysts believe more acquisitions will be in the pipeline.