James Russell

Technology, VennCard

Crawley Down, England, United Kingdom

About

Experience

  • Chief Technology Officer at VennCard
    Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 4 mos

    At VennCard, I lead the charge in building technology that’s redefining how professionals connect. We’re not just creating digital business cards — we’re engineering a smarter, sleeker way to network. Our cross-platform mobile app, built with React Native and powered by Expo, delivers a seamless user experience across iOS and Android. We combine this with premium NFC-enabled cards — crafted from metal or bamboo — that trigger instant, memorable interactions. But we’re not stopping at tap-to-share. We’re integrating AI to supercharge lead capture, streamline follow-ups, and surface the insights that actually matter. Whether it’s automating CRM workflows or suggesting the best way to engage with your next connection — VennCard is turning everyday networking into a competitive edge. We’re building the future of business networking — smart, sustainable, and seriously powerful.

  • Chief Technology Officer at Upzelo
    Jan 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 6 mos

  • Technology Lead (Contract) at hampers.com
    Sep 2023 - Mar 2025 · 1 yr 7 mos

    As a technology leader at Hampers.com, I’m responsible for driving the company’s digital and e-commerce strategy — blending hands-on technical execution with high-level vision. I led the in-house migration from Magento to Shopify, modernising our infrastructure to support scalable growth and seamless customer experiences. Beyond platform delivery, I act as the go-to expert for online retail technology, data analytics, and digital innovation — working closely with leadership, marketing and operational teams to align tech initiatives with business goals, identify emerging trends, and continuously optimise performance in a fast-paced, competitive market.

  • Product Manager at Cazoo
    Sep 2021 - Dec 2021 · 4 mos

  • Chief Product Officer at My PT Hub (Fitii Ltd)
    Nov 2019 - Sep 2021 · 1 yr 11 mos

    My PT Hub is an online web and mobile app, enabling 80,000 personal trainers, coaches and gym owners to manage 2,200,0000 clients by creating customisable training and nutrition programmes, whilst tracking their progress and achievements.