Russell is a senior commercial leader with over 20 years’ multi-channel brand-building experience in FMCG and Retail. In his current position as Managing Director of Breakthrough Brands at Britvic PLC, Russell is responsible for leading the company’s new innovation incubator division where he uses his entrepreneurial skillset and big picture thinking style to bring challenger brands to market. This includes leading London Essence from seeded launch to £12m RSV in four years; establishing it as the main challenger to Fever Tree and the fastest growing premium mixer in the UK market. He is now also responsible for the recent addition to Britvic’s portfolio- Plenish. The brand offers great alignment with Britvic’s long-term sustainability strategy Healthier People, Healthier Planet and Russell will help to grow Britvic’s offering in the fast-growing plant-based segment.
In addition to being a strong commercial leader, Russell is also passionate about supporting employee wellbeing, promoting self-care in the workplace and being a mindful leader. In 2019, he led a global Britvic project to reposition and relaunch Britvic’s culture and values and he is currently Chair of Britvic’s B-Seen network which champions employees with diverse abilities and disabilities.