Russ Gaines Icae

Russ Gaines is a seasoned commercial operations professional with extensive experience in the leisure and retail sectors. Currently serving as the Group Commercial Operations Director at The Escapade Group Ltd since July 2025, Russ previously held various leadership roles at Merlin Entertainments from March 2009 to July 2025, including Commercial Director at Thorpe Park and interim Cluster Commercial Director overseeing multiple attractions. Throughout this tenure, Russ demonstrated strong capabilities in driving commercial performance across food and beverage, retail, and guest experiences. Earlier experience includes significant roles at LEGOLAND Windsor and World Duty Free at London Heathrow, showcasing expertise in retail management and strategic operations. Russ holds A-Levels from Guildford College of Further and Higher Education and has a solid foundational education with 11 GCSEs from Fullbrook School.