Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society
Susan Russell has extensive experience in marketing and communications. Susan is currently the Head of Marketing, Communications & Sponsorship at Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, where they promote the Fringe Festival and the work of the Fringe Society. Before that, they worked as the Head of Communications (Maternity Cover) at the same organization. Susan is also the Founder & Chair of Women In Tourism, where they advocate for greater gender balance within the tourism industry. Susan has held various marketing roles at companies such as Pike + Bambridge, CEC-Catering, Underbelly Limited, Criton, and Festivals Edinburgh. Susan has also worked at VisitScotland, where they were a PR Executive and later an Assistant Product Manager and Travel Trade Assistant.
Susan Russell's education history includes earning an Executive MBA degree from the University of Edinburgh Business School from 2020 to 2023. In 2017, they also completed the Executive Women's Leadership Programme at the same institution. From 2014 to 2015, Susan participated in the Destination Leaders Programme at Edinburgh Napier University. Susan previously obtained a BA 2:1 Hons degree in Communication from Edinburgh Napier University from 1998 to 2002. Susan's high school education took place at Fortrose Academy from 1990 to 1996.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the greatest platform for creative freedom in the world – no individual or committee decides what should and should not appear. Anything is possible. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society was founded by artists to nurture and uphold the Fringe's values of inclusivity, experimentation and imagination. We exist to support, encourage and inspire artists from all backgrounds, provide information and assistance to audiences, and promote the Fringe and what it stands for all over the world. Every year, the international arts community comes together for the Fringe to perform, share ideas and make connections. It is the world’s foremost performing arts market where careers are made, and new and innovative work discovered. Fringe audiences are encouraged to take risks and try something new. The Fringe is a place to discover hidden gems, new genres, unusual spaces and the next big thing. The Fringe was one of the 20th century’s greatest innovations, a precursor to social media in providing a platform for anyone who wanted their voice to be heard. The Fringe continues to grow and evolve, embracing new technologies, audiences and ideas.