I'm Melissa Russell, a strategic, data-driven marketing and communications specialist with 12+ years’ experience delivering omnichannel campaigns, brand programmes and stakeholder engagement for high-profile, regulated organisations. I focus on social media strategy and execution across organic and paid campaigns, translating complex information into clear, customer-focused content that supports business goals. I’m passionate about turning insights into impact and enabling teams to work confidently within governance and compliance frameworks. I’ve led multi-disciplinary teams across marketing, creative, product and regional units to deliver consistent, on-brand execution. I thrive on coaching others, embedding insight-driven decision making, and driving brand impact through structured, measurable initiatives that align with corporate objectives.

Melissa Russell

I'm Melissa Russell, a strategic, data-driven marketing and communications specialist with 12+ years’ experience delivering omnichannel campaigns, brand programmes and stakeholder engagement for high-profile, regulated organisations. I focus on social media strategy and execution across organic and paid campaigns, translating complex information into clear, customer-focused content that supports business goals. I’m passionate about turning insights into impact and enabling teams to work confidently within governance and compliance frameworks. I’ve led multi-disciplinary teams across marketing, creative, product and regional units to deliver consistent, on-brand execution. I thrive on coaching others, embedding insight-driven decision making, and driving brand impact through structured, measurable initiatives that align with corporate objectives.

Available to hire

I’m Melissa Russell, a strategic, data-driven marketing and communications specialist with 12+ years’ experience delivering omnichannel campaigns, brand programmes and stakeholder engagement for high-profile, regulated organisations. I focus on social media strategy and execution across organic and paid campaigns, translating complex information into clear, customer-focused content that supports business goals. I’m passionate about turning insights into impact and enabling teams to work confidently within governance and compliance frameworks.

I’ve led multi-disciplinary teams across marketing, creative, product and regional units to deliver consistent, on-brand execution. I thrive on coaching others, embedding insight-driven decision making, and driving brand impact through structured, measurable initiatives that align with corporate objectives.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Contractor at AstraZeneca
September 1, 2023 - November 9, 2025
Contracted to support digital communications initiatives; managed elements of social media activity and digital content. Coordinated with internal teams to align messaging and campaigns across channels during ongoing initiatives.
External Communications Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific
August 1, 2023 - August 1, 2023
Day-to-day management of paid and organic social media in collaboration with the Content Marketing Manager; coordinated execution and optimization of digital content across global social platforms for the Genomic Sciences (GSD) division; provided strategic guidance and operational feedback on social campaigns, including copywriting and content management; managed community interactions and brand performance reporting.
Global Digital Marketing Specialist at Bruichladdich Distillery
July 1, 2023 - July 1, 2023
Led global digital marketing for The Botanist gin and Bruichladdich whisky products; managed paid and organic social media in collaboration with the digital team and brand managers; produced strategy calls and strategy documents; conducted an initial social media audit; copywriting and content management; supported brand launches and ongoing campaigns.
Senior Marketing Executive at Thermo Fisher Scientific
September 1, 2021 - September 1, 2021
Delivered data-driven digital marketing programs to drive awareness and engagement; managed paid and organic social media in collaboration with global teams; provided reporting on progress, risks, and opportunities; maintained strong client expectations and a healthy work-life balance.
Marketing Executive at BiP Solutions Ltd
March 1, 2020 - March 1, 2020
Planned and implemented procurement SaaS campaigns for BiP Solutions; managed an annual marketing plan, budgets, and campaigns including creative control, commercial development, and launching new features; conducted regular brand reporting and client engagement; oversaw regional marketing activities across 11 job boards and managed relationships with press and partner outlets.
Assistant Brand Manager at University of Stirling
June 1, 2013 - June 1, 2013
Assisted with brand management and communications initiatives within the education sector; contributed to marketing campaigns, promotional materials, and outreach activities.
External Communications Manager (Social Media) at Norgine
November 1, 2025 - Present
Developed a LinkedIn channel strategy aligned to brand objectives, improving reach and stakeholder understanding. Created compliant, audience-focused content simplifying technical information for external stakeholders. Produced governance guidance and standardised approval workflows to ensure consistent, compliant delivery. Delivered regulatory and reputational risk management and cross-functional collaboration and leadership. Produced governance outputs for external audiences.
Social Media Consultant at Thermo Fisher Scientific
March 1, 2020 - August 20, 2023
Owned day-to-day paid and organic social activity for the Genetic Sciences division, delivering against brand plans. Designed multi-channel campaigns targeting specific customer groups, tracking KPIs and engagement. Implemented Agile workflows to improve speed, prioritisation and cross-functional delivery. Ran A/B tests and performance analysis to identify optimisation opportunities and improve ROI. Collaborated with creative, product and regional teams to ensure aligned execution across markets. Trained and supported digital team members with career development. Served as the core owner for social strategy within the division.
Head of Marketing at BiP Solutions
November 1, 2017 - March 1, 2020
Led annual marketing planning and stakeholder communications for a SaaS portfolio. Produced brand and performance reporting for senior leadership to support strategic decision-making. Conducted user research and optimisation (heatmapping, surveys, A/B testing) to improve customer journeys. Acted as Product Owner for new service development, coordinating cross-disciplinary teams and external vendors. Managed PPC channels (Google, Bing, Meta, LinkedIn) and measured campaign effectiveness.
Senior Marketing Executive at DMG Group Ltd
March 1, 2016 - March 1, 2017
Led annual marketing planning and stakeholder communications, produced brand and performance reporting for senior leadership, and supported cross-functional teams to drive strategic engagement and business outcomes.
Assistant Brand Manager at Anytime Leisure
March 1, 2015 - February 1, 2016
Created digital content and managed social channels, tracked KPIs and reported performance to support engagement goals.
Marketing Executive at Marketing Executives (Various roles)
April 1, 2017 - October 1, 2017
Managed regional brand activity and stakeholder communications across multiple brand sites; coordinated marketing campaigns, partner relationships and performance reporting to support engagement goals.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (HONS) in Film & Media at University of Stirling
January 11, 2030 - November 9, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications at Forth Valley College
January 11, 2030 - November 9, 2025
Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Film & Media at University of Stirling
September 1, 2012 - June 1, 2013
Bachelor of Arts, Media & Communications at Forth Valley College
September 1, 2009 - June 1, 2012

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Education