Doug Russell

"In almost every situation, I’ve realized how critical the team is to the success of the business."

What key characteristics do you look for in the founders you partner with?

Can a founder build a team. Do they recognize when it’s time to build out the management beyond the founding team? Are they able to recognize gaps in their skills and abilities. And finally, can they delegate when the time is right?

What strengths do you bring to the companies you partner with?

I am fortunate to have worked for a number of excellent companies and in a variety of roles – finance, operating, investment – over my career. In almost every situation, I’ve realized how critical the team is to the success of the business. So I am passionate about helping companies develop their teams…and, along that same vein, in developing the MMV team.

Fun fact about yourself?

I lived and worked in Manila, Philippines, with my family from 1998-2000. It was a wonderfully rewarding professional and personal experience, and afforded me the opportunity to travel throughout Asia and to live and experience many different cultures.

It’s a Saturday afternoon, where can we find you and what are you up to?

When not traveling or spending time with my wife, children and grandchildren, in the winter you’ll find me skiing or snowshoeing in Vermont. Outside of winter, I’m hiking, biking or playing golf.

Doug has served as Managing Partner and Head of MassMutual Ventures since its formation in July 2014. He joined MassMutual in 2007 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Retirement Income business unit. From 2009 through 2016, he served as the company’s Senior Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development.

Doug has close to 40 years of global investment, operating and finance experience in the financial services industry. He earned his BA in economics from Brown University, and his MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College.