George Russell Email and Phone Number

ZCGC Managing Director (2022-Present)The Concord Group (2020-2022)PureRED (2016-2020)ECS Network (1997 – Present)Remington Outdoor Company Inc. (2011-2013)Control Solutions Inc (2011-2013)Dr Miracles Inc. (2008-2010)LBI (2005 – 2008)Pinnacor Inc. /CBS Marketwatch (1998-2001)CEO | Board MemberECS Network, LLC1997 – 2005Identified profitable growth strategies and presented business plans to premier private and venture investors, securing $28M in funding. Recruited senior management team, cultivated a compelling value proposition, and implemented sound financial systems and controls. Achieved sales of $16M and gross margins of 65%. Identified and executed due diligence resulting in the acquisition of three strategic competitors, dramatically accelerating revenue and profitability.CEO | Board MemberLBI Inc.2005 – 2008Built sales and profit from $23M / $ -2.1M to $88M / $14.0M – delivering a 175% ROIC in 2 years. Led Turnaround of four global brands: Finesse, Aqua Net, Yardley, and Lypsyl, returning each to profitable growth following years of decline. Established US and Latin American Operating platforms. Recruited world class management team. Structured and implemented US and Global Manufacturing, Sourcing, and Supply Chain capabilities.Chairman and CEO | Board MemberControl Solutions, Inc.2011 – 2013• Led turnaround leading to sale to Corinthian Partners• Restructured Manufacturing and Supply Chain operations• Identified non-military commercial market opportunities and realigned product mix, marketing, and sales strategy and resources• Recruited best in class management team, including a new CEO

Value Acceleration | Turnarounds | Restructuring | M&A | Due Diligence | Operating Performance Improvements | EBITDA + Working Capital Improvements | Raising CapitalRetained by premiere PE firms to lead the Acquisition and Growth of Mid Cap portfolio companies in the consumer and industrial products, services, and technology sectors. Served as CEO and when necessary, as Operating Partner working with management to identify current issues, then prioritize and implement improvements to accelerate revenue, profits, value creation.Operating PartnerAlerion Partners2013 – 2014Accelerated revenue, profit growth, improved operating performance of 2 PE companies leading to sale of ScentAir Inc, (largest mftg of Industrial Fragrance Systems) to Parthenon Partners in 2015.Senior Operating PartnerCerberus Capital Management2011 – 2013Recruited by, and reported to, Bob Nardelli in a variety of senior operating roles:• Chairman, CEO of Control Solutions Inc. – Led successful operations Restructuring and Exit• Senior Operating Partner, Board Advisor at The Freedom Group – Identified, led acquisition, post deal integration of 2 companiesOperating PartnerGSO/The Blackstone Group2009 – 2010Devised Restructuring and Operations performance improvement plans leading to sale of American Safety Razor to Energizer Corp. for $301M, exceeding seller expectations by over $100M.Operating PartnerOak Hill Capital Partners2004 – 2005Retained by Oak Hill Capital Partners as Operating Partner to Restructure and Turnaround Duane Reade, a $1.6B drugstore chain. Led initiatives to deliver +$19M EBITDA, +$31M Working Capital improvements.CEOECS Network LLC1997 – 2004Provided leadership vision to this consumer technology start-up focused on improving product supply chain management via the internet. Clients: Dell, The Gap and Hewlett Packard.

PureRED is the leading Marketing Technology and Services Partner for creating and delivering digital content at the scale, speed and effectiveness required for large enterprise retailers and brands. PureRED clients include Kroger, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, P&G, Heinz, Johnson & Johnson, and Kimberly-Clark.

Global Turnaround | Value Acceleration | Full P&L | Strategic Acquisitions | Supply Chain Optimization | New Product Innovations | Global Brand RevitalizationRecruited by CEO to serve as transformational leader charged with leading aggressive global turnaround of this $800M manufacturer of shaving products and toiletries. Assumed P&L responsibility for the global business, establishment of a global market positioning and implementation of a new unified approach to Manufacturing, R&D, Marketing, and Supply Chain. Steered a highly matrixed multi-functional global organization encompassing marketing, supply chain, R&D, sales and operations professionals.Achieve a 19% increase in value share, a 31% increase in sales and doubled profits to deliver $132M EBIT. Drove enterprise value from $700M to $1.2B

Organizational Transformation | New Service Product Innovations | Accelerated Sales + Market Share Growth | Brand Marketing Innovations | High Performance + Accountable Team BuildingIntroduced classic consumer marketing disciplines to this high-growth industry as CMO and first marketing executive for New England’s largest HMO ($260M). Led all aspects of the marketing mix including long-range planning, advertising, positioning, new product/service development and budget management.Tripled sales to $940M, growing market share from 6% to 22% in five years. Optimized business performance and accelerated growth through organizational structuring and building high performing, accountable teams. Created healthcare marketing techniques subsequently published as a case study taught at Harvard Business School.

P&L Responsibility | New Product Opportunities + IRR Increases | Securing Capital FundingAssumed successive brand and marketing management roles on Gillette’s top brands, culminating in assignment to P&L marketing and general management responsibilities for the North American Wet Shaving Business (Razors & Blades) representing over 65% of profits in North America. Identified and evaluated new product opportunities, and secured capital funding for several successful new product introductions through drug, food, and mass merchandise channels. Managed marketing, R&D, manufacturing and finance, with 20 direct reports. Led impressive business growth: Sales +14%, profit contribution +27%, market share +12%. Achieved new product IRR of 46%.

Strategic Planning | Consumer Brand Marketing Management | New Product Innovation Think TankIdentified by senior management as a high-potential development candidate, appointed to manage strategic planning and marketing initiatives for two of Y&R’s premier clients: Kraft General Foods and Johnson & Johnson. Became the youngest individual to ascend to Account Director. Assigned to Y&R Concepts – a think tank comprised of the company’s most highly regarded talent charged with partnering with clients in the development and launch of new product innovations.