Andrew Appel
CEO
AppCapital
Andrew Appel is a seasoned business leader, CEO, and trusted advisor with over 25 years of management experience. He's significantly contributed to various industries, including consulting, public companies, and private equity-backed data and analytics firms. Appel is renowned for his transformational business acumen, strategic alignment of senior teams, and execution of complex M&A transactions. He fosters strong internal and external communications and builds global cross-functional teams that drive value and transformation.
In 2021, Appel founded App Capital, an organization dedicated to the digital transformation of businesses in information services and consumer packaged goods (CPG). App Capital collaborates with top-tier private equity firms on active transactions, ranging from $2 billion to $12 billion, in technology data, analytics, and CPG markets. Appel also serves as an advisor to multiple data and technology companies. companies, including CC Capital, E2Open, Harmonya, Premise, Zeta Global, I-Genie.Ai, 8090 (rebranded Era Funds), and CoolerScreens, while engaging in special projects with SymphonyAI.
From 2012 to 2021, Appel served as President and CEO of IRI, overseeing its transformation from an insights provider into a technology-focused Big Data global company. During his tenure, he substantially expanded IRI's retail presence, securing relationships with most US retailers and achieving record-breaking financial performance from 2012 - 2021, nearly tripping revenue while increasing margin.
In 2017, Appel played a key role in supporting Blackstone's $4.8 billion acquisition of a business, serving on the board until its recent de-SPAC in July 2021.
Before joining IRI, Appel was Senior VP of Revenue Operations at Accretive Health, a rapidly growing healthcare services company, and a vital member of Aon's Executive Committee. He served as CEO of Aon Consulting and Aon Benfield from 2005 to 2010, achieving operational excellence and substantial financial growth, bolstering Aon's position in human resource consulting and outsourcing.
His career began at McKinsey and Company, where he spent 15 years advising global financial institutions and co-founded McKinsey's Global Business Technology and Operations Practice.
Appel currently serves as Lead Director on the Board of Constant Contact and the Board of Advisors for the UCLA Anderson School of Business. He has held board roles at IRI, Machine Vantage, Alight, World Business Chicago, and the Joffrey Ballet.
Appel holds a bachelor's degree in economics from UCLA and an MBA from the University of Chicago, where he was the Henry Ford II Scholar. He resides with his family in the Chicagoland area.