Consello LLC

https://consello.com/

Consello is a global advisory and investing platform established to provide strategic counsel to senior business leaders and invest in high-potential mid-market companies. Founded by Declan Kelly, the firm aims to help organizations navigate complex challenges and achieve growth. Headquartered in New York, NY, at 590 Madison Avenue, Consello operates with a global footprint, including offices in Atlanta, Miami, London, Barcelona, Belfast, Dublin, and the Middle East.

The company's advisory services span multiple distinct practices, including C-Suite Advisory, Management Consulting, Marketing & Creative Services Advisory (Consello Experience), AI & Tech Strategic Consulting, Sports & Entertainment Advisory, Investment Banking & M&A Advisory, and Talent (Consello Talent), which covers executive search, organizational design, and leadership development. Its investment arm, Consello Capital, focuses on private equity investments across sectors such as services, consumer, retail, and industrials.

Recent notable developments include the acquisition of Morpheus Risk in January 2026 to enhance its risk and threat assessment capabilities, and the launch of Consello Talent in April 2025. Consello Capital has also made significant investments, acquiring EHE Health in August 2024 and ProSearch Strategies in October 2023. The firm's leadership team includes founder Declan Kelly as Chairman and CEO, alongside high-profile partners and advisors such as Tom Brady, Serena Williams, Mindy Grossman, Janey Whiteside, Oscar Salazar (President of Consello Tech), and Peter Morrow (Managing Partner of Consello Capital).

Latest updates

James's Career Insights Highlight Early-Mover Advantage in Private Capital

Event summary

  • Tony James, former CEO of Blackstone, participated in a conversation with Consello Founder Declan Kelly on the 'Grey Matter' podcast.
  • James declined offers from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley early in his career to build DLJ into a significant leveraged buyout platform.
  • He subsequently joined Blackstone and played a key role in its expansion to become the world's largest alternative asset manager.
  • James has served as a board director of Costco since 1988, becoming Chairman in 2017.

The big picture

The conversation between James and Kelly highlights the enduring value of contrarian thinking and disciplined execution in the private capital space. James's career trajectory, from building DLJ to transforming Blackstone, demonstrates the potential rewards of identifying and capitalizing on market inflection points. Consello's platform aims to distill these lessons for its clients, positioning itself as a resource for strategic decision-making in a complex environment.

What we're watching

Succession Planning
The discussion underscores the importance of identifying and cultivating future leaders capable of anticipating market shifts, a critical element for long-term firm stability.
Judgment Calls
How Consello leverages these insights from industry veterans to inform its advisory and investment strategies will be a key indicator of its value proposition.
Talent Retention
The appeal of unconventional career paths, as highlighted by James's experience, may influence how firms attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.

Consello Adds Verizon, Ericsson Veteran Vestberg as Advisor

Event summary

  • Consello appointed Hans Vestberg, former CEO of Verizon and Ericsson, as a Senior Operating Advisor.
  • Vestberg previously led Verizon’s first commercial 5G deployment and oversaw infrastructure supporting 35% of global mobile traffic at Ericsson.
  • Consello's advisory team now includes former C-suite executives with over 150 years of combined experience.
  • This appointment follows recent additions including Jon de Jager (CEO of Consello Middle East) and Sue Gray (Chair of Consello UK).

The big picture

Consello’s move to onboard Vestberg underscores the growing demand for experienced operational advisors as CEOs grapple with rapid technological change and geopolitical instability. The firm’s focus on former operator experience positions it to capitalize on the trend of companies seeking practical, rather than theoretical, strategic guidance. Vestberg’s prior client relationship with Consello suggests a level of comfort and existing trust that could accelerate his impact within the firm.

What we're watching

Client Impact
The immediate effect of Vestberg’s involvement will be closely watched to see if it translates to tangible shifts in Consello’s client base and the types of strategic challenges they address.
Advisory Model
Consello’s ‘operator-led’ model, already a differentiator, will be tested as Vestberg’s experience is integrated; the firm’s ability to leverage this expertise will be key to its continued success.
Competitive Landscape
The acquisition of Vestberg signals Consello’s intent to aggressively compete for high-value CEO advisory engagements, and rivals will likely respond with their own talent acquisitions.

Bank of America CEO Moynihan Discusses Institutional Leadership with Consello

Event summary

  • Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America, participated in a Grey Matter episode with Declan Kelly, Founder and CEO of Consello.
  • Moynihan assumed the CEO role at Bank of America in January 2010, following a period of rapid growth through six acquisitions.
  • His tenure has encompassed navigating the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, a digital revolution, and significant institutional transformation.
  • Bank of America is currently considered one of the world's most respected financial organizations.

The big picture

The interview underscores the ongoing demand for strategic guidance from established financial institutions facing complex challenges. Consello's platform, with its advisory and investment arms, is capitalizing on this need by providing counsel to leaders navigating periods of significant change. The partnership with a CEO of Bank of America's stature elevates Consello's profile and credibility within the financial services industry.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The discussion's focus on leading an institution of scale suggests Consello is positioning itself as a resource for executive leadership development and strategic counsel, potentially impacting its advisory business.
Regulatory Headwinds
Moynihan's insights into navigating crises and transformations may offer clues about Bank of America's approach to evolving regulatory landscapes and the potential for future compliance challenges.
Execution Risk
Consello's involvement in the interview highlights its growing influence within the financial sector; the success of its advisory and investment platform will depend on its ability to consistently deliver value and maintain high-profile relationships.

Consello Bolsters Advisory with Brunswick Group Veteran

Event summary

  • Blake Sonnenshein joins Consello as Senior Managing Director and Head of Strategic Communications Advisory.
  • Sonnenshein previously served as a Partner at Brunswick Group for 14 years.
  • She brings experience advising senior executives across consumer-facing industries and advising on NYC development projects and JPMorgan Chase during the 2008 financial crisis.
  • Consello is expanding its Strategic Communications practice to integrate communications with investor relations, operations, and talent expertise.

The big picture

Consello’s move signals a growing demand for integrated advisory services, as CEOs face increasing pressure to manage reputation and navigate complex business challenges. The appointment of a seasoned communications executive like Sonnenshein underscores the strategic importance of proactive reputation management, particularly for firms operating in highly regulated or scrutinized industries. This expansion positions Consello to capitalize on the trend of CEOs seeking holistic counsel beyond traditional financial or operational advice.

What we're watching

Service Integration
The success of Consello’s expanded offering hinges on its ability to genuinely integrate communications with its existing advisory practices, rather than simply layering services on top of one another. This will require significant operational and cultural alignment.
Client Adoption
Whether Consello can convince existing clients to adopt the expanded Strategic Communications practice, and attract new clients specifically for this offering, will determine the financial impact of Sonnenshein’s appointment.
Talent Retention
The firm’s ability to retain and attract top communications talent will be crucial as it builds out the new practice, particularly given the competitive landscape for experienced advisors.

Consello Invests in Mentor Hub, Expands UK Advisory Footprint

Event summary

  • Consello has made a minority investment in The Mentor Hub, a UK-based multi-mentor platform.
  • Consello is expanding its UK operations, adding senior advisory staff across corporate advisory, strategic communications, and sports & entertainment.
  • Consello recently acquired Morpheus Risk, a UK-based risk assessment firm.
  • The partnership aims to build and scale a global mentoring offering for boards and executive teams.

The big picture

Consello's investment in The Mentor Hub and expansion into the UK market signals a broader trend of advisory firms bundling talent development services with traditional strategic counsel. This move reflects the growing importance of succession planning and executive coaching in a volatile business environment, particularly for global organizations navigating complex geopolitical and economic landscapes. The acquisition of Morpheus Risk further underscores Consello’s commitment to providing a holistic suite of risk mitigation and advisory services.

What we're watching

Integration Risk
The success of Consello’s expansion hinges on the effective integration of Morpheus Risk and the Mentor Hub, requiring careful management of cultural differences and operational synergies.
Client Adoption
The Mentor Hub’s disruptive mentoring methodology may face adoption hurdles within established corporate structures, impacting the scalability of Consello’s new offering.
Competitive Landscape
Consello’s increased UK presence will intensify competition within the advisory sector, necessitating a clear differentiation strategy to retain and attract clients.

Consello Appoints Seasoned Executive to Lead Middle East Expansion

Event summary

  • Jon de Jager has been appointed CEO of Consello Middle East, effective immediately.
  • De Jager previously served as Global CEO of CT Group and has experience managing single-family offices in the UK and UAE.
  • Consello is expanding its advisory business across the Middle East, operating from an office in Abu Dhabi.
  • De Jager’s prior roles involved advising on cross-border transactions, regulatory restructurings, and multi-jurisdictional investment strategies.

The big picture

Consello’s move to appoint a CEO with deep Middle Eastern experience signals a strategic commitment to capitalize on the region’s economic growth and increasing investment activity. The appointment comes as advisory firms face pressure to demonstrate tangible value and specialized expertise in a competitive landscape. De Jager’s background in managing family offices and advising on complex transactions suggests Consello is targeting a higher-value, more sophisticated client base.

What we're watching

Regional Focus
De Jager’s emphasis on the Gulf region’s growth momentum suggests Consello will prioritize opportunities in this market, potentially at the expense of other geographies.
Client Alignment
Given de Jager’s experience with family offices and sovereign stakeholders, Consello may shift its client focus towards these high-net-worth segments.
Integration Risk
The speed at which de Jager integrates CT Group’s business intelligence practice and Consello’s existing advisory services will be a key indicator of the appointment’s success.

Chevron CEO Wirth Highlights Discipline in Dealmaking, Anadarko Exit Yields $1 Billion

Event summary

  • Chevron CEO Mike Wirth discussed his leadership philosophy, 'Pragmatic Discipline,' in a recent interview with Consello Founder Declan Kelly.
  • The interview highlighted Chevron’s decision to exit the Anadarko acquisition, resulting in a $1 billion breakup fee.
  • Chevron proceeded with the Hess transaction despite extended scrutiny and delays from a competitor.
  • Wirth has held leadership roles at Chevron for over four decades, navigating long-lived assets and commitments.

The big picture

Chevron’s approach, as articulated by Wirth, underscores a growing trend among energy majors to prioritize disciplined capital allocation and risk management over aggressive growth strategies. The $1 billion Anadarko breakup fee highlights the potential financial consequences of hasty acquisitions, particularly in a sector facing increasing regulatory and environmental scrutiny. This contrasts with the prevailing 'growth at all costs' mentality that characterized earlier periods of industry expansion.

What we're watching

Competitive Response
Chevron’s competitor’s actions regarding the Hess transaction will likely inform future M&A strategies within the sector, potentially leading to increased regulatory or competitive challenges.
Capital Allocation
The willingness to walk away from deals, as demonstrated with Anadarko, suggests a heightened focus on capital allocation efficiency and a reduced tolerance for overpaying, which could impact future acquisition activity.
Governance Shifts
The emphasis on 'Pragmatic Discipline' signals a potential shift towards a more conservative and risk-averse governance model at Chevron, which may influence long-term investment decisions.

Consello Bolsters Risk Advisory with Morpheus Risk Acquisition

Event summary

  • Consello, a global advisory and investing platform, acquired UK-based risk assessment firm Morpheus Risk.
  • Morpheus Risk's team, comprised of former law enforcement, intelligence, and national security officials, will form a new 'Consello Risk' practice.
  • The acquisition aims to enhance Consello's advisory services with on-the-ground intelligence and risk mitigation capabilities.
  • Consello has offices in New York, London, Dublin, Riyadh, and other global hubs.

The big picture

The acquisition reflects a growing demand for risk mitigation services amidst heightened global instability and operational challenges. Consello’s move positions it to capitalize on the increasing need for advisory firms to offer practical, on-the-ground intelligence alongside strategic counsel. This expansion into a more specialized risk advisory practice represents a strategic shift for Consello, moving beyond purely financial advisory and investment services.

What we're watching

Integration Risk
The success of this acquisition hinges on Consello’s ability to effectively integrate Morpheus Risk’s operational expertise into its existing advisory framework, avoiding cultural clashes or operational inefficiencies.
Client Adoption
Whether Consello’s existing client base will readily adopt the new, more operationally focused risk advisory services remains to be seen, particularly given the potential for higher fees associated with this specialized expertise.
Competitive Landscape
The move signals Consello’s increased focus on geopolitical and operational risk, potentially intensifying competition with firms specializing in security consulting and intelligence services.

Coca-Cola CEO Quincey Details Systemic Change Approach in Consello Interview

Event summary

  • Consello Founder Declan Kelly interviewed Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey for the Grey Matter podcast, published January 8, 2026.
  • Quincey oversaw Coca-Cola's transition to a 'total beverage company' and modernized its operating model.
  • The discussion focused on Quincey’s engineering-driven decision-making and organizational simplification strategies.
  • Consello operates as an Advisory and Investing Platform with a global presence across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.

The big picture

The interview highlights a growing trend among legacy corporations to proactively restructure and adapt to changing market dynamics. Quincey's emphasis on an engineering mindset and decisive action reflects a shift towards more data-driven and agile leadership in large organizations. Consello's platform provides a window into these strategic conversations, potentially positioning them as a key influencer in executive leadership circles.

What we're watching

Brand Evolution
The long-term success of Coca-Cola’s portfolio expansion hinges on maintaining brand equity while diversifying into new beverage categories, a delicate balance Quincey’s approach aims to address.
Operational Efficiency
Whether Coca-Cola can sustain the operational efficiencies gained through organizational simplification will be crucial as the company navigates evolving consumer preferences and supply chain complexities.
Consello's Growth
Consello's increasing prominence as a platform for high-profile executive interviews suggests a deliberate effort to elevate its brand and attract further advisory and investment mandates.

Consello Taps Golfer Shane Lowry in Expansion of Sports Advisory Practice

Event summary

  • Consello, a global advisory and investing platform, has partnered with golfer Shane Lowry, effective January 1, 2026.
  • Lowry will serve as a Consello Ambassador, featuring the Consello logo on his apparel during PGA and DP World Tour events.
  • The partnership supports Consello’s Sports and Entertainment business, which advises teams, leagues, and investors.
  • Consello operates advisory practices across corporate strategy, M&A, management consulting, talent, and sports & entertainment, alongside an investment arm, Consello Capital.

The big picture

Consello's partnership with Shane Lowry signals a deliberate effort to expand its Sports and Entertainment advisory practice, a sector experiencing increased investment and complexity. This move positions Consello to capitalize on the growing demand for strategic and financial guidance within the sports industry, potentially attracting new clients and revenue streams. The partnership also underscores the increasing trend of professional services firms leveraging high-profile athlete endorsements to enhance brand recognition and market reach.

What we're watching

Brand Alignment
The success of this partnership hinges on whether Lowry’s public image genuinely reflects Consello’s values and target client base, and whether this association elevates Consello's brand perception within its core advisory markets.
Sports Expansion
Consello’s investment in the Sports and Entertainment practice suggests a strategic push into a growing market; the firm’s ability to generate revenue and demonstrate expertise in this niche will be a key indicator of its overall strategy.
Client Acquisition
The partnership's impact on Consello's client acquisition efforts, particularly within the sports and entertainment sectors, will reveal the true value of the ambassador relationship beyond simple brand visibility.
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