After spending seven years at Aviva Ireland, as Group Sponsorship Manager, Mark has decided to take on the challenge of leading the FAI's Commercial Department at an exciting time for Irish football.
Mark is no stranger to Irish football having led Aviva's award-winning sponsorship campaigns with the FAI that have boosted participation numbers in women's football through the support of the Soccer Sisters programme and the Republic of Ireland Women's Senior Team.
With a background in marketing and business development, Mark brings a lot to the Association and he is looking forward to getting started in June 2018.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the FAI at this exciting time. With the UEFA 2020 European Championships and the FAI Centenary on the horizon, it feels like the beginning of a historic chapter in the life of the Association," said Russell.
"I am looking to forward to joining the team and to working with the great portfolio of sponsors who are supporting the FAI."
FAI CEO John Delaney welcomed Mark's appointment by saying: "I'm delighted that Mark has joined the Association and I'm sure that his experience and energy will help us to reach new heights.
"Mark will join an executive team who are driving the Association forward on all levels and I'm sure that his influence will be seen quite quickly through a number of important projects."
Other recent appointments in the FAI has seen Rea Walshe promoted to Corporate Affairs and Licensing Director, Barry Gleeson promoted as Operations Director, Holi Smith come in as International Football Operations Manager, Pippa Weld announced as Legal Manager, and Gareth Maher leading the Communications Department forward.