“Global leadership requires cultural expertise. It’s about weaving empathy, intuition and insight into every strategy. A growth mindset sees the spaces between cultures and different perspectives as opportunities for exchange, innovation and transformation.”

– Ian Alden Russell

about

Ian Alden Russell is a global executive with 15+ years of experience in culture, strategy, business development and creative entrepreneurship. He is a problem solver and thought leader, skilled at blending empathy and analysis to leverage cultural insights, identify trends, inform decisions and drive growth.

His recent experience includes delivering cultural insights on the Chinese market for Tapestry (New York), operations development for a mixed-reality concert premiering at The Shed (New York), business models for cultural-retail property developments for K11 Concepts Ltd (Beijing/Hong Kong), exhibition development for the opening of the House of Wisdom (Sharjah), project development for a Hyundai Commission at Tate Modern (London), a creative entrepreneurship programming partnership between Brown University and Berklee College of Music and a cutting-edge exhibition program at Brown University integrating research and education with global contemporary art.

Russell holds a Ph.D. (History) and B.A. (Archaeology) from Trinity College Dublin. He has authored 4 books and over 20 articles and has held fellowships at Brown University and University of Notre Dame. He has held the posts of Director of Cultural Management and Associate Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Lecturer at the Rhode Island School of Design, Curator at Brown University and Assistant Professor at Koç University Istanbul. He also has 10 years’ performing arts experience, touring and recording with award-winning vocal group Anúna.

leadership expertise

Global changemaker with 15+ years of experience working across continents in business development, creative entrepreneurship, and branding. Specialized in crafting long-term strategies that align with corporate goals and drive cultural change and business growth.

Insightful problem solver and thought leader leveraging deep cultural understanding and creativity to identify trends, inform decisions, and drive innovative initiatives. Skilled at blending empathy and analysis to turn challenges into strategic opportunities.

Collaborative leader building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, external partners, and internal teams, to execute impactful projects that enhance organizational culture and stakeholder engagement.

Branding visionary with extensive experience creating bespoke cultural experiences and events, from mixed reality performances to large-scale art commissions. Committed to synthesizing complex information into engaging and inspiring narratives.

career highlights

  • Authored 4 books and over 20 articles, establishing expertise in culture and recognition as a thought leader.

  • Highly sought-after speaker, presenting at top research institutions and cultural organizations across US, Europe, and Asia.

  • Created cultural retail business models for $2B portfolio of development projects in Beijing and Shenzhen for K11 Concepts Ltd.

  • Drove 50% net sales growth for Coach in China (from $730M to $1.02B) through cultural insights and brand activations for Tapestry Inc.

  • Facilitated the successful installation of a Hyundai commission at Tate Modern, London (FY18-19), attracting ~ 6M visitors.