Mark Russell confirmed as Chief Executive of Shareholder Executive

Following an open competition Mark Russell has been appointed as Chief Executive of the Shareholder Executive it was announced today (8th April 2013). Mark has been acting as interim Chief Executive since 4 February and his appointment takes place with immediate effect. He will lead a team of 130 staff. The Shareholder Executive is a centre of commercial expertise within government, with responsibility for a portfolio of over 20 businesses where there is a clear shareholding mandate. This includes government responsibility for Royal Mail and Post Office Ltd. Following primary legislation, the government’s intention is to inject private capital into Royal Mail. The Shareholder Executive is leading this work on behalf of government.

Working with other central government departments, particularly HM Treasury and Cabinet Office it plays a wider role as a corporate finance resource within government. This includes advising on launch aid and regional and industrial assistance. The Chief Executive is also responsible for the development of BIS’s contribution to the government’s cyber security agenda, and is a member of the BIS Management Board.

Mark joined the Shareholder Executive in 2004, following a career in corporate finance. He was a partner in the corporate finance departments of KPMG London (2003-2004) and KPMG Frankfurt (2000-2003). Leading on matters relating to the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency, Mark is also a non-executive director of London and Continental Railways Limited and Eurostar International Limited, and chairs Eurostar’s audit committee.

Mark Russell replaces Stephen Lovegrove, who was appointed to the post of Permanent Secretary at the Department of Energy and Climate Change in January.