Russell Yardley FAICD

Russell began developing interactive multimedia products in the mid eighties making him one of the pioneers of this industry. His company Acumentum was one of the first developers of websites and online Internet applications in the early nineties. After completing a science degree and studying law at the University of Melbourne, Russell spent more than seven years with IBM developing a sound knowledge of computer technology, management and marketing. In 1985 Russell established his own business developing technology delivered training and decision support systems. His industry leadership was recognised by Austrade in selecting him to be part of the Australian eGovernment Mission to the UK in 2001 and in winning one of ten positions on the Australian European High Tech Tour in 2002. Russell judged the Telstra Business Awards 2005-2008, was one of the head judges for the Australian Information Industry Associations iAwards 2005-2012 and is currently Treasurer and national board member of the AIIA. Russell was a member of the Victorian Premier's Task Force on Communications and Multimedia (1994-1999), The Victorian Government Technology Round Tables (2000-2002), Ministerial Advisory Group for ICT (2003-2006). He has been a board member of Film Victoria, Chairman of St Martins Youth Arts Centre and The Push (providing drug and alcohol free entertainment for young people), a member of the Victorian College of the Arts Film and Television School, Swinburne and RMIT ICT and Multimedia Course Advisory Committees and the RMIT Course Advisory Committee for Management and Business. In 2009 Russell was appointed by Senator Stephen Conroy to chair his Expert Panels on the Digital Economy. In late 2007 Russell sold his controlling interest in Acumentum and has embarked on a new phase in his career undertaking advisory work and as a non-executive director assisting boards to develop a much deeper understanding of technology innovation and its role in value creation. As well as being the Chairman of Readify's board, Russell is a non-executive board member for a number of organisations including: - Australia's Information Communications Technology (ICT) Research Centre of Excellence (NICTA) , Alcidion Corporation, Algonquin Investments, Bienalto and the Victorian Government Purchasing Board. Russell sits on the Intrascope advisory panel too.