[2] Educated at Stowe School, Russell served in the Irish Guards during the Second World War, being commissioned as a captain in 1941.

[1] Russell was general manager of Fortnum & Mason from 1947 until resigning in 1951, then chairman of the New Providence Hotel until 1965.

He made a career in theatrical management as owner/managing director of Linnet & Dunfee (which produced the original production of the musical hit Salad Days) from 1953 until 1981.

His succession was unsuccessfully contested by his half-brother John Hugo Trenchard Russell, eldest son of the 3rd Baron's third marriage.

He was one of fifteen peers elected by the whole house to be available to serve as deputy speakers and office holders.