Russel worked as an economist and policy researcher for the Philippine Competition Commission leading and conducting market studies and impact assessments of various regulations and proposed legislations involving key sectors such as transport, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. Prior to that, Russel was a consultant for multinational firms across a wide range of industries.

Through the MPP, Russel hopes to hone his skills in crafting policy solutions better suited to the real socio-political conditions of developing economies like the Philippines. His policy interests focus on economic development and market regulations under weak institutions. Russel graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Russel is a Jardine-Oxford Graduate Scholar.