Russell joined Teach First as CEO in September 2017, building on more than 15 years developing and promoting leadership in schools. Prior to joining Teach First, Russell was General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) and before that worked as a management consultant, helping found Hay Group’s education practice.
Russell serves as a trustee of Fair Education Alliance and Teach for All UK Charity Board, along with being a member of the Education Committee at the Royal Society. In 2023 he joined the Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as a Non-Executive Director.
Russell was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours List 2022 and was presented with the honorary title of Doctor of Education from Bath Spa University in 2023.
