Ellerton & Co names former TechCrunch editor as executive director

Singapore-based pan-Asia PR firm Ellerton & Co. has appointed former TechCrunch editor and Crypto.com Capital venture partner Jon Russell (pictured) as executive director, as the agency expands its work across technology, venture capital, crypto and investor communications.

Based in Bangkok, Russell will work across the agency’s technology, startup, venture capital and crypto mandates, while strengthening its media, content and strategic communications capabilities.

Russell brings more than a decade of experience in technology journalism and communications to the role. He previously held editorial roles at The Ken, TechCrunch and The Next Web, covering areas including venture capital, fintech, crypto, consumer internet, AI and Southeast Asia’s digital economy.

Don't miss: Upcycle Communications expands SEA footprint with new wins, refreshed branding

Russell later moved into venture capital, including a stint with Crypto.com Capital, before spending the past three years as an independent marketing and content consultant. He also continues to write for Asia Tech Review, a newsletter focused on technology, startups and investment across Asia.

His appointment comes as Ellerton expands beyond traditional earned media communications. Earlier this year, the agency launched Ellerton Creative Studio, while its broader offering now includes investor relations, founder positioning, owned content, narrative development and go-to-market communications.

“Technology companies in Asia don’t just need more press coverage. They need clearer stories,” said Russell, executive director at Ellerton & Co.

“Founders and investors are operating across fragmented markets, with tighter funding conditions and a shrinking media landscape. Ellerton has built an impressive reputation in the last decade, and I look forward to helping grow the business around further still," he added. 

Oliver Ellerton, managing partner of Ellerton & Co., said Russell’s editorial and investment experience would strengthen the agency’s counsel to clients.

“Russell has spent his career understanding how technology businesses in Asia are built, funded and communicated,” he said. “That combination of editorial judgement, investor perspective and founder empathy will strengthen the counsel we provide to clients. His appointment also adds senior leadership as we deepen our work across venture capital, technology and crypto.”

Prayaank Gupta, partner at Ellerton & Co., added that Russell’s experience working across media and communications would bring another perspective to the agency’s earned and owned strategy.

Ellerton currently has more than 30 consultants across nearly 10 markets, including Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Japan. Through its partnership with the GlobalCom PR Network, it also supports clients across more than 100 countries.

The appointment follows a series of changes at Ellerton this year. In April, founder Oliver Ellerton was elevated to managing partner, while Michael de Waal-Montgomery and Prayaank Gupta were appointed as partners. The agency also launched Ellerton Creative Studio as part of its expansion beyond traditional communications services.

Related articles:    
SG comms agency Ellerton & Co. expands into Europe   
Ellerton & Co. turns its focus on the Philippines with new senior hires 
Ellerton & Co. nabs new executive director to drive SEA expansion