Lee Russell
About Lee Russell
Lee Russell is the Global Business Development Director at Verifi Inc., with a background in business development and management in the financial services sector. He has held various leadership roles at Mastercard, Giesecke & Devrient, and Zwipe, focusing on product launches and gender equality initiatives within the payments industry.
Work at Verifi
Lee Russell currently serves as the Global Business Development Director at Verifi Inc., a position he has held since 2023. In this role, he focuses on advancing the company's business development initiatives and enhancing its presence in the global payments ecosystem. His leadership aims to foster innovative solutions that improve the security and convenience of payment processes.
Previous Experience in Business Development
Before joining Verifi, Lee Russell held several significant roles in business development within the payments industry. He was the Senior Vice President for Financial Institutions and Alliances at Zwipe from 2022 to 2023. Prior to that, he worked at Mastercard in various capacities, including Senior Director for EMI & Fintech in the UK & Ireland from 2013 to 2017, and Director of Market Expansion for the same region from 2011 to 2012.
Educational Background
Lee Russell studied at the University of Reading, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Modern History & Politics. His academic tenure lasted from 1996 to 1999, providing him with a solid foundation for his career in business development and the financial services sector.
Gender Equality Advocacy
Lee Russell has been actively involved in gender equality initiatives within the payments industry. He served as an ambassador for the Women's Leadership Network at Mastercard from 2018 to 2019, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. His commitment to these causes reflects his broader mission to ensure safety and security for all stakeholders in the payments ecosystem.
Proven Track Record in Financial Services
Lee Russell has a proven track record of launching successful products and services for global financial services brands. His experience spans multiple organizations, including Mastercard, Collinson, and Zwipe. He collaborates closely with Visa colleagues to deliver innovative dispute management solutions, underscoring his expertise in the payments sector.