Leah White is Managing Director and Head of the Consumer Practice at FOCUS Investment Banking, where she leads the firm’s dedicated efforts in the consumer products, retail, and e-commerce sectors. In this role, she is responsible for guiding business owners, private equity firms, and strategic buyers through the full spectrum of M&A activity, including sell-side and buy-side advisory, capital raises, and strategic growth transactions. Leah’s leadership combines deep sector knowledge, extensive transaction experience, and a client-focused approach that consistently delivers value and results.

Ms. White has successfully represented a wide range of consumer brands—from founder-led emerging companies to well-established, multi-channel retailers—helping them navigate complex transaction processes and position for long-term success. Her work spans diverse categories within the consumer industry, with particular expertise in high-growth brands, direct-to-consumer business models, and omnichannel strategies. She is known for building strong relationships with both clients and counterparties, helping to enable smooth negotiations and effective closings.

Prior to joining FOCUS, Ms. White spent many years at a large institutional investor, where she contributed to the organization’s private equity and hedge fund investment strategies. She was responsible for  a nearly $2 billion portfolio, providing insights that informed capital allocation and investment decisions.

Earlier in her career, Ms. White worked at Citizens Bank in the consumer banking forecasting group, where she provided analytical support for Dodd-Frank compliance, enhancing the institution’s ability to meet evolving regulatory requirements. She also held various financial and strategic roles at Fortune 500 and large privately held companies, supporting enterprise-level strategic planning, cross-functional initiatives, and corporate operations.

Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ms. White holds an MBA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Pittsburgh. She also maintains FINRA Series 82 and 63 licenses.