Before launching Press Ahead in 2004, Russell held senior marketing and commercial positions within Trinity Mirror - the UK's largest newspaper publishing group - and has extensive experience across all of the business activities undertaken by the regional press sector. He was responsible for strategy, business planning, product development and delivery of marketing communications in the fastest moving of all FMCG environments. Russell still works closely with major publishers on strategy projects, enjoys extensive and strong relationships with decision makers in the media sector and North East business community, is actively involved in high profile regional promotion and regeneration initiatives and is a member of the Entrepreneurs Forum. Russell lives in West Herrington with wife Sarah and son Adam. On the rare occasions his boss (nasty fella!) gives him any time off, he enjoys watching cricket, rugby and football (well, the word enjoys might be stretching it when it comes to his beloved Aberdeen!). Russell also enjoys fine dining and visiting interesting cities and places in the UK and Europe.