James Russell

Cybersecurity Leader and Architect | CISSP | Security Strategy & Business Transformation | Trusted Advisor | GRC | Cloud Security | AI Security

Stamford, Connecticut, United States

About

Senior Cybersecurity Sales Leader with a proven record of driving revenue growth, leading business transformation, and delivering high‑value security outcomes for large enterprise customers. Expert at positioning advanced cybersecurity solutions that strengthen security posture, reduce operational complexity, and deliver measurable ROI. Consistently exceeds quota and recognized as a top performer and Club winner. Known for strong executive communication, strategic account leadership, and the ability to influence, collaborate, and mentor high‑performing teams. Technology & Security Strategy Development Enterprise Security Sales Secure Solution Architecture (Cloud, Network, Identity) Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Business Case Development & ROI Analysis Digital Transformation Secure AI SASE/SSE/Zero Trust Incident Response/CIRT MDR/EDR SIEM and SOC Security Compliance/Governance Threat & Vulnerability Management Identity and Access Management

Experience

  • Verizon Business (New York City Metropolitan Area)
    • Senior Security Specialist, Enterprise Security Sales
      Aug 2020 - Dec 2025 · 5 yrs 5 mos

      Cybersecurity leader with deep experience advising global organizations on technology modernization, secure operating models, and enterprise‑scale transformation. Known for translating complex business requirements into actionable security strategies, leading cross‑functional teams, and designing architectures that balance enablement with risk reduction. Adept at conducting due diligence, facilitating workshops, and guiding stakeholders through high‑visibility decisions involving cloud, network, and application security. Recognized for strong executive presence, analytical rigor, and the ability to drive clarity in ambiguous environments. Consistently exceeds quota and recognized as a top performer and Club winner. Known for strong executive communication, strategic account leadership, and the ability to influence, collaborate, and mentor high‑performing teams.

    • Security Solutions Engineer, Pre Sales
      May 2016 - Aug 2020 · 4 yrs 4 mos

      Strategic technology advisor with deep experience shaping enterprise security strategies, modernizing platforms, and guiding organizations through complex digital and operating‑model transformations. Adept at translating business objectives into actionable technology roadmaps, optimizing capabilities at scale, and delivering measurable value across global stakeholder groups. Recognized for strong executive communication, analytical rigor, and the ability to lead cross functional teams through high visibility initiatives.

  • Diageo (United States)
    • Director, Global Security Operations and Engineering
      Apr 2014 - Mar 2016 · 2 yrs

      Responsible for Global CSIRT critical security incident response team, Security Operations and Security Engineering functions. Supporting 180 international offices and 30,000 employees. Provides operational governance, oversight and direction over global support vendors who support security services for the company. Implements strategies to improve security operational sustainability, up time and risk mitigation. Manages operation security risk and controls as well as supporting internal and external audit functions. Provides Security Engineering oversight, support and direction for all new security solutions delivered into the enterprise. Works with other security functions to define, implement and support the global information security strategy. Responsible for Threat and Vulnerability management, pen testing, SIEM, DDOS, IAM Identity and Access Management, AV/Patching and risk mitigation of known vulnerabilities.

    • Global Technical Security Lead
      Aug 2009 - Mar 2014 · 4 yrs 8 mos

      Enterprise security solution architect and engineer providing guidance and definition of solutions that support corporate business strategies and mitigate infrastructure weaknesses. Manages information risks using a variety of controls types that involve people, process and technology. Leads a team of global security engineers. Responsible for performing security architecture/engineering risk assessments of key IT foundation and portfolio projects, including raising security risks and making recommendations to mitigate known security risks. Authors technical security standards and supports internal and external audit functions.

  • Global Network and Security Manager at TORM A/S
    Feb 2005 - Jun 2009 · 4 yrs 5 mos

    Responsible for network and security architecture, engineering, implementation and support of corporate IT infrastructure for international oil tanker company supporting 5000 users, 5 international offices, 100 vessels, and DR site. Worked with Sr IT management to define IT technology strategy, road maps and budgets. Responsible for reviewing and vetting new technologies in the market place that meet business requirements and address infrastructure weaknesses. CSIRT lead responsible for threat and vulnerability management. Implemented and supported systems monitoring and management solutions, NetIQ and SCCM/SCOM. Maintained and updated security policies, procedures and processes. Supported internal and external audit functions.

  • Sr. Network Administrator at Kemper
    Mar 2001 - May 2004 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    Responsible for maintaining corporate data center supporting over 400 users including: call centers, 3 remote offices. IT infrastructure, LAN and WAN network fabric and infrastructure, security infrastructure and end user computing. Technical lead and PM on major IT initiatives including complete data center migrations. Manager of help desk operations and staff. Responsible for reviewing and vetting new technologies in the market place that meet business requirements and address infrastructure weaknesses. Threat and Vulnerability lead responsible for the security posture of the IT infrastructure estate.