Russell Smith

Russell (or Russ, as he prefers) is a commercially driven business leader with over 25 years in FMCG and fresh produce. He combines deep category management experience with real world commercial acumen and a love of grocery, to help brands and businesses navigate the extraordinarily complex world of retail, foodservice, and agri-food.

With a career in both large corporate business, leading sales teams, food technologists and marketers, as well as working with startups and small family run businesses, Russ knows how to commercialise a product from a mere concept or idea into a nationally recognised brand. His extensive experience in strategic planning, commercial negotiation, customer engagement, and operational systems and processes put him in a perfect position to foresee the many challenges that lay ahead for small business.

Russ thrives on guiding teams and entrepreneurs to develop innovative products, build in depth market strategies, and effectively efficiently scale business. He works closely with founders and business owners to turn ideas into viable products, whilst ensuring team alignment and profitability.

Outside of work, Russ is passionate about food, exploring nature and spending time with his wife, kids and doggo, Chester.