Based in East Gresford, NSW, Russell has successfully built and transitioned multiple agricultural businesses throughout his distinguished career. As Founding Partner and General Manager of Farmoz Pty Ltd (1989-2004), he established a significant presence in the agricultural chemicals sector before the business was sold to Makteshim-Agan, now Adama. He continued his entrepreneurial success as Founding Partner of Ospray Pty Ltd (2005-2013), which was subsequently acquired by Cheminova and later FMC. Most recently, Russell served as Director of National Farmers Warehouse Pty Ltd (2013-2024), growing the business to eleven stores across Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, with a strong focus on both cropping and animal health, supported by a team of approximately twenty staff including three agronomists and a veterinarian.

Russell holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agriculture from the University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Marketing from the University of Technology Sydney. Growing up on a dairy farm in the Hunter Valley, he purchased the family property in 2005 and now manages a Simmental cattle herd for beef production. 

Russell’s extensive experience in building, scaling, and successfully transitioning agricultural enterprises provides invaluable strategic guidance to NRI’s mission of supporting independent businesses.