James Russell

Global VP Commercial at 36Zero - Labour Mobilisation & Safety IoT Ai Platform | Growth Strategy Leader | Driving Market Expansion & High-Impact Partnerships

Abingdon-On-Thames, England, United Kingdom

About

I’m a commercially driven leader brought into high pressure environments where performance matters and money is on the line. I operate across global markets, particularly in the Middle East, deploying technology at scale on major industrial and infrastructure projects where small inefficiencies quickly become significant financial loss. I focus on exposing where money is truly made or lost, cutting through operational noise to reveal the gap between plan and reality. Using real time data and commercial judgement, I turn fragmented, low visibility environments into controlled, measurable systems that drive better decisions on the ground. My strength lies in forcing alignment between strategy and execution, ensuring large scale initiatives deliver real outcomes rather than theatre. I work across commercial, operational, and technical teams, challenging assumptions, removing friction, and holding delivery to account. When progress stalls, visibility is low, and the cost of getting it wrong is high, I’m brought in to bring clarity, control, and momentum where it matters most.

Experience

  • Global Vice President, Commercial at 36Zero
    Aug 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

    Leading global commercial strategy for 36Zero, the AI driven workforce management platform deployed across some of the largest and most complex construction and infrastructure programmes in the world. I drive revenue growth, partnerships, government engagement and large scale rollouts across the GCC, UK and APAC, positioning 36Zero as a category defining platform for real time workforce intelligence in construction 36Zero unifies people, plant and material data into one operational ecosystem, using AI, wearables and digital workflows to improve productivity, reduce risk, strengthen compliance and elevate worker health. It is also the only platform that integrates live heat stress and worker welfare analytics directly into workforce operations. My role spans enterprise sales, strategic accounts, commercial modelling, GTM, business development, partner ecosystems, and shaping the future of digital project delivery for giga projects and major government clients.

  • TechNiche LLC (9 yrs 11 mos)
    • Non Executive Director
      Jan 2024 - Jul 2024 · 7 mos

    • Managing Director & Co Founder
      Sep 2015 - Jan 2024 · 8 yrs 5 mos

      Managing Director | Technology-Led Apparel | Workforce Safety | Major Programme Delivery As Managing Director, I led the design, manufacture, and delivery of over 80,000 units of advanced cooling workwear for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup workforce—one of the largest-scale garment deployments of its kind globally. My role spanned end-to-end operational leadership, including supplier management, technical innovation, and cross-border logistics, ensuring seamless delivery in line with extreme climate and compliance demands. I spearheaded commercial growth across the Middle East and Europe, working directly with government entities, mega-projects, and high-risk industrial sectors to embed wearable safety technology and thermal protection apparel into complex operational environments. My remit included: - Building multi-million dollar supply chains from concept to execution - Leading product innovation tailored for high-heat, high-risk settings - Driving strategic partnerships across construction, oil & gas, logistics, and defence - Leading cross-functional teams and partner networks across 4 continents This experience cemented my reputation for delivering technology innovation at scale, balancing human performance, compliance, and commercial outcomes in some of the world's most demanding environments.

    • Commercial Director
      Sep 2014 - Sep 2015 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Commercial Director Europe & Qatar | Shareholder at THORZT Europe & Qatar
    2018 - Sep 2022 · 4 yrs 9 mos

    Hypotonic hydration drink, no sugar, no caffeine and gluten free. Helping keep workers hydrated https://eu.thorzt.com/

  • Founder - Consultant at Major Live Events Ltd
    Sep 2013 - Dec 2015 · 2 yrs 4 mos

  • The Royal Parks (2 yrs 1 mo)
    • Head of Events & Filming (Commercial)
      Sep 2012 - Sep 2013 · 1 yr 1 mo

    • 2012 London Olympics - Liaison Manager (Beach Volleyball & Road Events)
      Sep 2011 - Sep 2012 · 1 yr 1 mo