Meet the Direrctors: Kevin Russell

Kevin Russell and Jayne Russell

Third up for our series of posts introducing you to the people behind TRJFPB is our Director, Kevin Russell!

Kevin is a dual national (South African/Australian) currently resident in the United Kingdom. He lives in Lindfield, West Sussex with his lovely partner, Jayne who is a medical PA. Kevin has 2 children, Ryan and Amber who live in Fremantle Western Australia. Ryan (26) is a post graduate medical student and Amber (22) is in her final year of a Law degree. Over the last 30 years he has lived and worked in a variety of global locations and experienced a multitude of cultures and geographic environments. Kevin’s work career has included significant experience in executive roles and many years as a strategic consultant in his own business. Kevin considers himself fortunate also to have experienced many personally rewarding years in volunteer and community organisations. He is deeply interested in politics, business and social issues and intrigued by the problems and possibilities of sustainability in our society. Kevin is outgoing, with a work-style preference for collaboration, teamwork, and interactive problem-solving. 

1. Why did you get onboard with The Real Junk Food Project?

I am passionate about food security and the waste that is inherent in the food supply chain. I believe that The Real Junk Food Project is an important initiative to create awareness of the issues and to mobilise a coalition to achieve legislative change in the first instance and then reform the food supply chain on a wider scale. I want to use my skills and experience to make a difference.

2. Which phrase do you most overuse? 

The free lunch has not been invented!

3.  What’s your favourite dish? 

Thai green papaya seafood salad

4.  How do you relax? 

i) Enjoying the sea, nature, culture, music and travel; ii) staying up to date on politics, business and current affairs (and debating issues with others); iii) rugby; iv) food and wine

5.  Who would you invite to your dream dinner party? 

Nelson Mandela.

6.  Which book has had the greatest impact on your life so far? 

Zen and the art of motor cycle maintenance

7.  What is your favourite smell? 

The smell of the ocean

8.  Which living person do you most admire and why? 

Stephen Hawking exemplifies grit, determination, intellectual agility and service to mankind in face enormous odds. Despite suffering from a most debilitating illness for a large of his adult life, Hawking has remained positive in the face of enormous adversity and contributed to the development of science and society in most significant way.

9. What do you like to listen to when you’re in the kitchen? 

Cool Jazz or Blues of any kind goes well with hot food!

10.  Where do you see The Real Junk Food Project in the future?

 I see The Real Junk Food Project succeeding so well in its mission that the necessary changes to legislation and reform of the food supply are effected, resulting in the Project making itself redundant.

This is the third post in our series introducing the people who make TRJFPB happen (as part of our crowdfunder campaign). To check out more posts in this series head over here.