Nine Dean Appoints Andrew Kassoy, Impact Pioneer, as Chairman Emeritus

Nine Dean, a holding company that partners with great businesses to drive long-term value for all stakeholders, today announced the appointment of founding team member Andrew Kassoy as Chairman Emeritus, effective immediately. This recognition reflects Kassoy’s significant contributions as a valued partner, collaborator, and friend throughout the conception and launch of Nine Dean.

Throughout Nine Dean’s development, Kassoy has consistently brought a thoughtful perspective, challenging convention and encouraging innovative thinking around business structure and impact. His commitment to shared prosperity and sustainable growth inspires the Nine Dean team to approach opportunities holistically, and with a focus on enduring, inclusive value creation.

“I know I speak for our entire team when I say that Andrew profoundly influences the way we think about growth, innovation, and our responsibility to all those connected to Nine Dean,” said Aren LeeKong, CEO of Nine Dean. “As both a partner and a friend, Andrew’s thoughtful approach and dedication to building businesses that create lasting, shared value has left a meaningful mark on all of us. We’re proud to recognize him as Chairman Emeritus and deeply appreciate the foundation he’s helped us build.”

In addition to his work at Nine Dean, Kassoy is a Co-Founder of B Lab, a non-profit building a global movement to redefine success in business so that all companies compete not just to be best in the world, but best for the world, creating a shared and durable prosperity for all. Before leaving the private sector to found B Lab, Kassoy spent 16 years in the private equity industry, as a Partner at MSD Real Estate Capital, an investment vehicle for Michael Dell, as Managing Director in Credit Suisse First Boston’s Private Equity Department, and as a founding partner of DLJ Real Estate Capital Partners. He also served as a Board Member of Echoing Green, as a Skoll Awardee for Social Entrepreneurship, on the U.S. working group of the G8 Social Impact Investing Task Force, and on the Forbes Impact 30 list of leading social entrepreneurs.

Kassoy’s appointment as Chairman Emeritus follows Nine Dean’s launch on June 3, 2025. The growing firm looks forward to announcing its full Board of Directors in due course.

About Nine Dean

Nine Dean is a holding company that acquires lower-middle market businesses and positions them for enduring success through operational excellence and investing in their most valuable asset: employees. The firm’s permanent holding company structure aligns all stakeholders and invests in employees to drive profitability across its operating companies, focused on long-term value and sustainable growth. Based in New York City, Nine Dean was founded by a seasoned team with deep expertise across all facets of business ownership, including entrepreneurial ventures, capital markets, credit, private equity, and operations.

More information on Nine Dean is available at https://www.ninedean.com/.

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