What I Do
Advisory
Embedding intelligent systems into go-to-market and executive operations. Not AI for its own sake—practical systems that help leadership teams sell smarter, operate faster, and make better decisions. I've deployed AI at enterprise scale. I know what actually works.
Board & Governance
Strategic oversight, governance, and growth strategy for PE-backed and growth-stage technology companies. I bring P&L accountability, M&A experience, and direct operating expertise to boards that want more than a name on a slide.
Acquisitions
Actively exploring founder-led businesses where technology and AI can unlock the next phase of growth. I look for exceptional operators with proven businesses, strong customer relationships, and a vision that exceeds their current resources.
Executive
Available for select CEO and CRO opportunities where transformation, AI adoption, and aggressive growth execution are the mandate. I've done this across public, private equity, and venture-backed businesses—and I know the difference between each.
About
I started as a software developer—writing code for hospitals, telecoms, and early internet companies across the US and Europe. That technical foundation never left me, even as I moved into sales, operations, and the C-suite. It's part of why I approach AI differently than most executives: I don't see it as magic. I see it as engineering.
"A brilliant pharmacologist recently stared down a project that was going to eat weeks of his time. I watched him describe it, and my first thought was: AI could do this in under an hour. He had no idea—not because he isn't sharp, but because nobody had shown him what's possible. That's the story of most companies right now."
Over three decades, I've led billion-dollar businesses, built companies from scratch, and navigated the full arc from startup to NASDAQ exit. Most recently at PayPal, I led a $6.5B SMB business—450 people, landmark partnerships with Intuit, Shopify, and BigCommerce, and an AI sales capability that earned Gong's Innovator of the Year recognition.
Before that: CEO at Veryon through transformation, M&A, and global expansion. CEO at EZ Texting, building the market leader for SMB customer engagement. Eight years at Intuit repositioning QuickBooks from desktop to SaaS. Co-founder of Order2Cash—Europe's first electronic bill presentment company, acquired by Billtrust (NASDAQ: BTRS).
Career
Founder & CEO
Building, investing in, advising, and acquiring technology-enabled businesses. AI go-to-market advisory and executive consulting.
SVP, NA SMB Sales & Partnerships
$6.5B business, 450 people. Rebuilt go-to-market, pioneered AI sales execution (Gong Innovator of the Year). Partnerships: Intuit, Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Rainforest.
CEO → Board Director
Led aviation technology company through transformation, M&A, and global expansion. Material revenue and EBITDA growth. Transitioned to Board of Directors.
Chief Executive Officer
Built the market leader in customer acquisition and engagement for SMB and mid-market companies.
SVP Sales, Customer Success & Partnerships
Worldwide customer acquisition, install-base retention and growth. Leader in business turnaround.
Chief Revenue Officer
Reignited revenue growth through complete repositioning of sales, marketing, customer success, and support.
VP Sales & Go-To-Market
Eight years leading SMB revenue, transitioning QuickBooks from desktop to SaaS. Built patented models for customer acquisition and conversion. Substantial cross/upsell revenue growth.
VP of Sales
Led field and inside sales. Earlier role as Chief of Staff driving strategic initiatives, corporate development, and investor strategy.
Co-Founder, CPO & Board Member
Co-founded Europe's first EBPP company. 60 countries, Global 1000 clients. Acquired by Billtrust (NASDAQ: BTRS).
Founder · RusselHapp Associates
CEO and revenue leader with P&L accountability across multi-billion-dollar businesses. Thirty years at the intersection of technology, growth, and operational transformation. Co-founder, acquirer, board director, and AI practitioner. Currently building RusselHapp Associates—consulting, investing, and acquiring technology companies where the next chapter is about AI.
Chief Marketing Officer · Kinaxis
More than twenty-five years building enterprise growth at the intersection of AI, brand, and revenue. Currently CMO at Kinaxis, a publicly traded supply chain technology leader. Previously CMO at symplr. Founder of Anachron, acquired by ING Bank. Board member, Fast Company Executive Board. Champion of women in technology leadership—named to the 101 Top B2B Marketing Influencers and 110 Women in Medtech to Know.
The name RusselHapp joins two builders—two founders, two operators, two people who have each spent their careers doing the hard work of building and growing technology companies. Est. 1998.
Connect
Thinking about how AI can transform your revenue organization? Exploring an acquisition? Looking for a board director with real operating experience? I'd enjoy the conversation.