Richard Russell

Richard Russell is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. MENA Chamber of Commerce, where he drives the Chamber’s mission to deepen commercial, institutional, and investment ties between the United States and the twenty nations of the MENA region – one of the most globally strategic and consequential economic corridors. Under his leadership, the Chamber advances international trade, expands market access, and accelerates private sector growth, while forging the government relationships that make cross-border commerce possible at scale.

Mr. Russell’s executive career spans decades and continents – corporate leadership, international business development, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and private equity-backed enterprises, built on a track record of export growth, brand building, and market expansion. His path includes senior commercial and executive roles tied to global operators such as MCI, CITIC, and Carlyle Group-backed infrastructure ventures.

He is also Founder of Russell Organics, a global luxury brand that was a pioneer of the clean beauty skincare category. Mr. Russell serves on the boards of Swiftdox, Vista Trading, and Eats Bueno, bringing proven operating discipline, governance expertise, and cross-border commercial performance to each organization, including his leadership of the U.S. MENA Chamber of Commerce.