Our principal members:
Charmane Russell [charmane@rair.co.za]
BA, MBL (cum laude)
In May 1999, Charmane started Russell and Associates with a single client. Today the agency has more than 50 regular clients, both listed and unlisted, primarily in the resources sector.
Charmane has a wealth of experience in managing investor relations and developing and implementing communications strategies and sustainable development reporting. She has acquired extensive knowledge of the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) principles and reports in strict accordance with these.
From February 1998 to May 1999, Charmane worked as Senior Divisional Communications Manager at AngloGold Limited where she was involved in investor and media relations and employee communications in South Africa, Europe, North America and South America, including the listing of the company on the Australian Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange.
Before that (June 1993 to January 1998), Charmane was Senior Divisional Communications Manager at Anglo American Corporation and Manager: Corporate Communications. In this function, she headed up a department of 26 people dealing with investor relations, media relations, crisis communications, the production of publications and organising of events, as well as the development and maintenance of the corporation’s internet site.
Prior to that she freelanced for a number of clients, including Implats, was Editor at the Chamber of Mines of South Africa, and worked for Marketing Services of the Chamber of Mines Research Organisation.
James Duncan [james@rair.co.za]
BJourn
At Russell and Associates, James is responsible for the development and implementation of communications strategies and the management of any necessary crisis communications. He also runs the media and presentation skills training offered by the company.
James joined Russell and Associates in February 2001. Prior to this, he was Executive Officer responsible for Corporate Communications at AngloGold Limited. During this time his portfolio included media and public liaison, employee communications and investor relations, and he served as a trustee of AngloGold’s corporate social investment vehicle, the AngloGold Fund.
Before the formation of AngloGold, he spent 20 years in corporate communications with the Anglo American and De Beers groups, following an eight-year career in newspaper and magazine journalism.
Marion Brower [marion@rair.co.za]
BA, HDE (PG) Sec
Marion manages media and investor relations at Russell and Associates and is involved in the company’s editorial work to a considerable extent.
Marion joined Russell and Associates in February 2000. From February 1997 to January 2000, Marion held the position of Public Affairs Manager at Anglo American Corporation where she was responsible for managing media relations for Anglo American and for a number of the companies and divisions within the group including AngloCoal and Amic. During this period she was also responsible for the media strategies and communication of the listing of Anglo American plc on the London Stock Exchange, as well as for some 30 transactions associated with this restructuring.
Prior to joining Anglo American, Marion was responsible for financial media relations and corporate advertising at Gold Fields of South Africa (July 1989 to January 1997).
Janet Whitaker [janet@rair.co.za]
BA (Hons)
Janet’s responsibilities at Russell and Associates include investor relations and financial reporting, a result of her financial background.
Janet joined Russell and Associates in November 2001. She has an Honours degree in Economics, with a major in mathematics, from the University of the Witwatersrand. Most recently, (September 1998 to September 2001), she worked at the stock broking arm of Standard Corporate and Merchant Bank where her portfolio included compiling, editing and producing various communications, both printed and electronic, for institutional and private clients. Prior to this, her work experience included time at the South African Foreign Trade Organisation (SAFTO) where she oversaw the economics, communications, and marketing courses of a three-year diploma in international trade and export management.
Before that she worked at Marketing Services of the Chamber of Mines Research Organisation where she gained experience in editing, event co-ordination and the many facets of the communication process.
Nicola Taylor [nicola@rair.co.za]
B Bus Sci (Hons)
Nicola’s responsibilities at Russell and Associates include media and investor relations. She joined the company in July 2006.
Nicola graduated from the University of Cape Town with an Honours degree in Finance before spending five years in London as an accountant for Liberty Syndicates, a Lloyds-based insurance and reinsurance syndicate. Her role focused on preparing financial statements and evaluating and monitoring financial and investment portfolio performance.
Peter Russell [peter@rair.co.za]
BSc Chemical Engineering (with Honours), MBL
Peter is responsible for the financial management of Russell and Associates.
Peter joined the company in November 2000, and oversees the financial, administrative and legal running of the company. In addition, Peter provides technical and financial input into clients’ communication strategies.
Prior to November 2000, Peter was employed by Bulk Mining Explosives (BME) where he gained nine years of commercial explosives industry experience in a variety of management positions. During this time, Peter held various positions including being a project engineer, a plant manager of several different production facilities, the manager of a product division and finally technical manager of BME.
Previously, Peter was employed by the Chamber of Mines Research Organisation where he was responsible for several engineering research projects for the mining industry in the field of backfill technology.