Russell Gillespie

Trailblazer
DISC Type : DI

Global Director │ Commercial Planning at Johnson Controls

Ireland

Overview

Russell is a global commercial executive at Johnson Controls with over 20 years experience linking strategy to execution for multi-billion-dollar businesses. Specializing in commercial planning and customer transformation, he holds a PhD from the University of the Witwatersrand. Colleagues describe him as a strategic, analytical, and passionate leader.

Outside of his corporate roles, Russell is deeply involved in the customer experience community, serving as a judge for the European Customer Centricity Awards and as a committee member for CXPA Ireland. His academic background is in marine science, suggesting an interest in the natural world.

Unique fact: He has authored scientific publications on the reproductive strategies of Sargassum seaweed off the coast of South Africa.

Personality Overview

Assertive

Achievement-Oriented

Charismatic

They are charming and have the ability to align others behind their decisions.  They do not mind taking risks and can make hard decisions, if necessary. They like to keep things under control.

Topics They Care About

Commercial Transformation
He leads global commercial planning at Johnson Controls, transforming processes for a $12B+ revenue organization supporting thousands of sales professionals.
Customer Experience
Previously led a CX advisory practice and remains active in the field as a committee member for CXPA Ireland and a judge for industry awards.
Go-to-Market Strategy
His expertise lies in connecting commercial strategy with operational execution, aligning sales, service, and planning to accelerate revenue growth.

Media Appearances

Russell has no verified media appearances

Work History

5-2025
Global Director │ Commercial Planning at Johnson Controls
5-2023 - 5-2025
Global Director │ Commercial Projects - Commercial Planning at Johnson Controls
9-2022 - 5-2023
Senior Manager │ EMEALA Process Improvement at Johnson Controls
1-2020 - 9-2022
Director │ Head of Customer Experience Advisory at W5 Powering Customer Experience
5-2016 - 12-2018
Senior Associate │ Customer Experience and Strategy at Futurelab

Education

PhD from University of the Witwatersrand
BSc (Hons) from University of the Witwatersrand

More Information

Social Presence :

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Exp : N/A Location : Ireland Job Level : N/A Designation : Global Director │ Commercial Planning at Johnson Controls
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Insights For Selling To Russell

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Build a trustworthy relationship while keeping the product center-stage
  • Ask them for a lunch or coffee once some rapport has been established
  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but nurture the relationship too

DONT's

  • Avoid unnecessary negativity or slowness
  • Don’t hesitate from asking them how they truly feel about your product
  • Do not look like someone who doesn’t know what they are talking about

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Russell is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Russell

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no albeit in a friendly manner.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Russell move?

  • If you earn their trust and they develop faith in the product, they can make decisions quickly.
  • Can Russell take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks if necessary.

You And Russell

Personality Compatibility


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