Russell Leak
Senior CSM
Northampton
Summary
A results-driven leader with over 30 years of experience in broadcast TV, real-time 3D graphics, business development, and operations management. I have a proven track record of driving operational excellence, and delivering complex, high-stakes projects on time and within budget. Combining deep technical expertise with strategic vision, I excel at transforming workflows, optimizing team performance, and fostering sustainable growth.
Video:
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior PreSales Consultant/CSM
Vizrt
01.2022 - Current
- Consultant for key accounts, channel and sports customers on a wide variety of Vizrt products
- Delivered PreSales demonstrations and consultancy
- Sports products evangelist
- CSM Lead EMEA
- Advised key accounts on strategy
- CEO Award for content creation
Freelance Consultant & Business Development Leader
Self-Employed
01.2010 - 01.2022
- Strategic consultant and project leader for top-tier clients in broadcast, sports, and esports industries
- Spearheaded growth strategies for Idonix Ltd., securing new business and expanding Unreal Engine Plugin offerings
- Delivered operational excellence for Tottenham Hotspur F.C., managing XPression, Carbonite, and Dashboard workflows for stadium and live broadcasts
- Delivered every BBC Election since 2005, driving seamless execution across multiple election cycles and regions
- Designed and delivered live production and graphics projects for high-profile esports, sports, and broadcast clients
- Conducted Ross Video training for global teams, enhancing skillsets and operational efficiency
Founder & Managing Director
Brainstorm 3D Graphics Ltd.
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Established and scaled a successful business specialising in real-time 3D graphics distribution and services
- Grew the business to £1 million in annual revenue within five years
- Secured a four-year election graphics contract with BBC News
- Managed relationships with marquee clients, including Reuters, ITV, Epic Games, and CNBC
- Designed and executed strategic business roadmaps, driving operational and revenue success
Freelance Consultant & Operator
01.2000 - 01.2005
- Provided marketing, PR, and technical consultancy for leading broadcast organizations, alongside freelance vision mixing and graphics operations
- Directed and operated live productions for Cisco Systems, BT, and Channel 5
- Delivered technical marketing strategies for For-A and Brainstorm eStudio, influencing product positioning and sales
- Promoted innovative tools such as touchscreen sports telestrators for enhanced engagement
Sales & Marketing Manager
FOR-A UK Ltd.
01.1990 - 01.2000
- Oversaw UK and European sales operations, staff management, and market expansion initiatives
- Increased European business by 25% and drove £900k in new UK sales in the first year
- Sold the first DigiWarp virtual studio in the UK, establishing a market-leading position
- Successfully managed cross-functional teams, optimizing performance and aligning goals with business objectives
Education
Video Production, Editing, Directing, Multi-camera Directing -
National School of Film and Television
Television Engineering - undefined
Royal Television Society
Skills
Strategic planning
Operational management
Customer satisfaction
Broadcast technology
Real-time graphics
Virtual production
Project delivery
Stakeholder management
Team development
Business acumen
Client relations
Business development
Market expansion
Live production
Technical support
Post-production
Customer engagement
Solution selling
Product demonstration
Musician
Guitar, singing and performance
Timeline
Senior PreSales Consultant/CSM
Vizrt
01.2022 - Current
Freelance Consultant & Business Development Leader
Self-Employed
01.2010 - 01.2022
Founder & Managing Director
Brainstorm 3D Graphics Ltd.
01.2005 - 01.2010
Freelance Consultant & Operator
01.2000 - 01.2005
Sales & Marketing Manager
FOR-A UK Ltd.
01.1990 - 01.2000
Television Engineering - undefined
Royal Television Society
Video Production, Editing, Directing, Multi-camera Directing -
National School of Film and Television