The Royal Botanic Gardens Board announced today that Chris Russell has been appointed to the role of Director and Chief Executive of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

Chris, who has been Acting Director and Chief Executive since February, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked in senior positions within the sector for over 20 years.

He has been Executive Director of Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne from 2001, overseeing the development of the much-celebrated Australian Garden. This followed diverse experience gained with national parks management and the construction industry. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Science with Honours and Graduate Diploma of Land Rehabilitation.

Chris is also a current Board member of Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand Ltd (BGANZ) and previous Deputy Chair of Casey Cardinia Tourism.

Royal Botanic Garden’s Board Chair, Penny Fowler, said “Chris brings with him significant experience and a deep passion for botanical conservation and public engagement. His proven leadership in tourism, horticulture and biodiversity management and unparalleled knowledge of the Gardens makes him an excellent choice to lead the organisation.”

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, which was recently awarded best Major Tourism Attraction in Australia, encompasses the historic Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, and the National Herbarium of Victoria which plays a critical role in conserving and promoting plant diversity and protecting threatened species.

Since Chris joined the organisation, he has spearheaded numerous projects aimed at benefiting both the Gardens’ visitors and the resident flora and fauna. Recently, these include creating under-road animal tunnels to increase the survival of Southern Brown Bandicoot and other native wildlife at Cranbourne Gardens, developing a new nature playground to engage young people and their families in nature play in Melbourne’s growing south-east and implementing various landscape and visitor facility renewal projects. His leadership has also led to the introduction of a water recycling initiatives across Cranbourne Gardens, and the successful management of the 7th Global Botanic Gardens Congress, hosted in Melbourne in 2022.

“It’s an honour to be at the helm of two of the most beautiful gardens in the world” says Chris “and I’m looking forward to giving people even more reasons to visit and enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature.”

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria will see several new initiatives unveiled this year, including the new Live at the Gardens concert series in November.

“Under Chris’ guidance, the Gardens will maintain its commitment to preserving plant diversity and promoting environmental stewardship and will continue to serve as a vital resource for scientific research, wellbeing and public learning,” says Penny. “I have great confidence his appointment will see our Gardens thrive.”