Introducing Russell: A Journey from Orchard to Innovation
Born in Clyde, New Zealand, I spent my childhood on a picturesque fruit orchard near Alexandra—an idyllic setting that nurtured my love for nature and hard work. My educational journey began with a Bachelor of Horticultural Science from Massey University, which laid the foundation for my passion for the environment and sustainability. Eager to broaden my horizons, I pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, diving into the worlds of business, accounting, marketing, and law.
A New Chapter with Deloitte
In 1999, Deloitte recognized the potential in the mid-market sector and acquired Zero One, prompting a family move to Christchurch. It was here that I encountered Enterprise Reporting from a Scandinavian firm, enhancing my expertise in reporting and budgeting solutions. However, my time at Deloitte concluded in 2003 due to conflicting interests after Microsoft acquired Great Plains Software. This transition led to the creation of Turtle Bay, a new venture in Christchurch specializing in Microsoft Dynamics GP, FRx reporting, and Enterprise Reporting.
Merging for Success
The journey continued with Turtle Bay’s merger with Olympic Software in 2005, a partnership that thrived until 2023. During my time at Olympic, I navigated the acquisition of Enterprise Reporting by Microsoft and championed the adoption of Solver BI360 from 2011 onwards, contributing significantly to its success. The transition to Solver BI360’s Cloud version in 2019 marked another significant advancement in my career, fueling my enthusiasm for the ongoing evolution of technology.
Returning to My Roots
In August 2023, following changes in ownership at Olympic, Turtle Bay was revitalized, emerging as a prominent BI360and Solver Cloud partner specializing in sales, implementations, and support. Returning to Central Otago, where my family’s history dates back to the gold mining era of the 1860s, I rediscovered my roots amidst its breathtaking landscapes and distinct seasons.
Life Beyond Work
Outside of work, I embrace the beauty of Central Otago through various activities. Whether trekking scenic trails, fly fishing in serene rivers, riding my motorbike, skiing in the winter, or tending to my year-round vegetable gardens in two greenhouses, I find joy in every season. Cooking and entertaining guests are also passions of mine, as I love sharing the fruits of my labor with friends and family.
As I continue this exciting chapter with Turtle Bay, I look forward to leveraging my experience to help businesses thrive through innovative reporting and budgeting solutions.
Here’s to new beginnings and the journey ahead!
