Bill Ross has spent 50 years on the ingredient side of the cosmetic and personal care industry. After receiving his BS in Chemistry from Bloomsburg University and a short stint as a bench chemist, Bill found his calling in cosmetics. For the first twenty-five years, Bill worked for a variety of chemical manufacturers selling ingredients specifically to cosmetic and personal care applications. His career in technical sales lasted 25 years and spanned several companies - most notably at GAF (now ISP) and with Croda USA as national sales manager. In 1987 after realizing there was a gap in the western region market, he founded Ross Organic, which became known as the leading specialty ingredient sales company in the western United States.
While at the helm at Ross Organic, Bill demonstrated impressive ability to find “the next big technology” and set the company up to be far ahead of the natural movement that eventually came. Ross Organic was sold to Azelis Americas, the largest supplier of specialty chemicals in the United States in 2017.
Across the nation, Bill is well known as one of the most knowledgeable ingredient sales experts in the industry. He’s traveled to virtually all of the global cosmetic industry’s major trade shows and scientific conferences for the past three decades. His network and knowledge is second to none. His understanding of chemistry, his knowledge and success in the market and his passion for cosmetic and personal care industry are unparalleled. Former colleagues even labeled him “the walking encyclopedia”.
“The Walking Encyclopedia” looks forward to sharing his knowledge and insight with others now as part of his new consulting business, Bill Ross Consulting. In addition to this work, Bill currently serves on the Board of Directors of ICMAD (Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers and Distributors).