Russell James is a social inclusion professional with over 20 years’ experience across the private and not-for-profit sectors.  He has led meaningful and sustainable social inclusion projects, both domestically and internationally, in areas including Indigenous participation, newly arrived migrants and refugees, supplier diversity, international students and sport for development.

Part of the Coles Indigenous Affairs team since August 2013, Russell has helped Coles become the largest private sector employer of Indigenous Australians and has overseen seven consecutive years of Indigenous supplier growth.

Prior to Coles, Russell spent much of his career working in social inclusion roles across the sports industry, in organisations including the International Cricket Council (working in countries including Japan, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu) and Essendon Football Club (where he established Indigenous and multicultural programs).  He also enjoyed a stint as a state sporting organisation CEO, running Netball Victoria and the Melbourne Vixens.