The Journey of David Russell
David Russell, renowned as the founder of Equis Energy, has carved an illustrious career in the realm of infrastructure private equity management and renewable energy. His journey commenced at Brighton Grammar where he nurtured his leadership skills, leading to his captaincy of the Rugby team in his final year. He later pursued Law/Economics at Monash University, enhancing his knowledge and laying the groundwork for his career in the energy and utilities sector.
Key Takeaways:
- David Russell is the founder of Equis Energy, Asia-Pacific’s largest renewable energy generator.
- David’s career evolved from an energy and utilities lawyer to becoming a pioneer in infrastructure private equity management.
- He has made significant contributions to philanthropy, supporting vulnerable communities through his non-profit organization, the Che Sara Sara Foundation.
- David and his wife Elena Russell are known for their luxury lifestyle, owning a mansion in Victoria, Australia, and the $70 million Amels yacht LADY E.
Early Career
David began his professional journey in Washington, working as an energy and utilities lawyer with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, followed by a stint at Minter Ellison in Melbourne. His global exposure and expertise soon led him to join Macquarie Group in 1998, where he served in diverse roles over a span of 12 years. He evolved within the organization to become a Senior Managing Director, Head of Asian Private Equity, and Head of Greater China.
Pioneering in Infrastructure Private Equity
Between 2005 and 2010, while stationed in Seoul and Hong Kong, David established three infrastructure private equity funds, including one of the first and largest South Korean private funds. His innovation in infrastructure private equity culminated in the foundation of Equis Funds Group in 2010, Asia-Pacific’s largest independent infrastructure private equity manager.
Establishment of Equis Energy
In 2011, David unveiled Equis Energy, etching his mark on the renewable energy industry. Serving as CEO and Chairman, he transformed Equis Energy into Asia-Pacific’s largest renewable energy generator. The crowning achievement came in October 2017, when Equis Energy was sold to a Global Infrastructure Partners-led consortium for a staggering US$5 billion. This transaction marked the largest renewable energy deal in history at the time.
David Russell’s Philanthropic Endeavors
Beyond his business achievements, David is known for his remarkable philanthropic contributions. He chairs the Che Sara Sara Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable parents and children in Russia, Uzbekistan, and the Philippines. David’s charitable spirit echoes through Equis Energy’s investment approach, mandating each investment to support local communities’ health, education, and infrastructure.
Luxury Lifestyle
David, married to Elena Russell, boasts of an opulent lifestyle reflective of his business accomplishments. The couple owns a lavish mansion in Victoria, Australia, and they were the proud owners of the $70 million Amels yacht, the Lady E, until its listing for sale in May 2023.
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