Ian Russell is currently an independent, freelance business advisor, speaker and professional non-executive director. Ian’s rise to South African prominence came off the back of his role in architecting and executing the Telkom turnaround from 2014 to 2018. Ian’s most recent corporate role was as CEO of BCX, Africa’s largest technology company, with a turnover of $2bn and a workforce of 10,000. Having been there, done that, Ian retired from mainstream corporate life in 2018 and wrote the bestselling, down to earth, business book: The Other End of the Telescope. As a result of the book’s success, Ian has become a highly in-demand keynote speaker for private corporate events and public, ticketed platforms, such as Heavy Chef and the World Economic Forum.

Ian is in demand as a professional, independent non-executive director and currently sits on the Board of four privately held, sizeable businesses. Ian also works as an independent business advisor and coach to Boards and CEOs. Ian’s passion for education and giving back shines through in his work with Christel House, a not-for-profit school based in the Western Cape. Ian is not only the Chair of the Board of Christel House, but pledges 100% of all royalties from The Other End of the Telescope to the school.