Russell Evans
Commercial Executive and Revenue Growth Architect in Chicago, Illinois
Growth isn’t accidental. It’s engineered.
I design revenue engines that turn insight into scalable growth.
I’m Russell Evans, a global commercial and marketing executive with more than two decades of experience leading growth across consumer goods, retail, analytics, and technology businesses. I help organizations align sales, marketing, product innovation, and analytics into disciplined commercial systems that drive predictable, profitable growth.
My career includes leadership roles with PepsiCo, Coca‑Cola, Nielsen, Experian, Henkel, and Russell Stover, where I’ve built high‑performance teams, revitalized businesses, and expanded markets across North America and internationally.
Selected Career Impact
- Turned around a $270M national retail business at Russell Stover, reversing a seven‑year decline and restoring profitable growth.
- Scaled Nielsen’s global analytics platform from $50M to $150M across 35+ countries.
- Delivered 13% revenue growth and 26% profit growth at Henkel through portfolio, pricing, and promotion optimization.
- Launched 32 analytics and software products at Experian Automotive.
Leadership Philosophy
My leadership style is grounded in servant leadership and built on three principles: clarity, accountability, and empowerment.
Clarity ensures that every team member understands the vision, strategy, and their role in driving results. Accountability creates disciplined execution and measurable outcomes. Empowerment gives people the trust and autonomy to lead, innovate, and grow.
When these elements are in place, teams move from reactive to proactive—delivering results while building a culture of ownership and resilience.
What I Believe
- Clarity drives performance. High‑performing organizations ensure every team member understands the strategy, priorities, and metrics that matter.
- Data should guide decisions—but execution wins. Insight and analytics create advantage only when translated into disciplined commercial execution.
- Cross‑functional alignment creates momentum. When sales, marketing, product, and operations move in the same direction, organizations unlock their full potential.
- Great companies build great teams. Sustainable growth comes from empowered people who take ownership of outcomes.
A Bit More About Me
I began my career as an All-American football player—recognized by both the Associated Press and Football News—and a finalist for the Harlon Hill Award, presented to the most outstanding player in Division II football. I later briefly played in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks.
That experience shaped how I lead today—discipline, resilience, and a belief that great teams outperform even the most talented individuals.
Today I remain passionate about building high-performance teams, mentoring emerging leaders, and contributing to organizations that create meaningful growth. Outside of work, I’m an avid golfer and actively involved in organizations focused on leadership development and community impact.
Thought Leadership / Publications
Beyond Data: The Power of Insights
Executive Interview with Russell Evans of Experian Automotive
Tropicana Aiming Category Management at Dairy
Media/Speaking
Customer Testimonials
OnCourse Learning Customer Testimonial: Bill Bruss, Waterstone Bank
ShopperTrak Mandalay Customer Testimonial Brian Robison VP/GM The Shoppes at Mandalay Place
OnCourse Learning Customer Testimonial: Leann Harris, Keller Williams