Bob Russell brought a wealth of operational and financial expertise to Waikato Milking Systems in 2023. Originally from Traverse City, Michigan, he moved across the U.S. before settling in Waunakee, Wisconsin, in 1996.

Bob's career in the dairy industry began with DeLaval in 1996, where he quickly progressed through increasingly influential roles, demonstrating his broad expertise and leadership across the business. His journey started as Director of Germania Dairy Automation (GDA), overseeing operations from production to sales. In this role, Bob not only managed day-to-day activities but also played a key role in the company's strategic expansion, helping to acquire independent dealerships—a focus that remained central throughout his tenure at DeLaval.

His influence grew as he took on responsibilities for North American production, including Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, and Research & Development. Bob's role as M&A Coordinator also expanded, continuing to drive dealership acquisitions and ultimately leading to his appointment as General Manager of North American company-owned distribution. In this position, he leveraged his extensive business acumen and financial insight to enhance the company's distribution network.

Reflecting on his transition to Waikato Milking Systems, Bob shared, "The transition felt seamless, as I had familiarity with dealers and dairymen." While there was a learning curve in understanding Waikato's offerings and getting to know the team, his background made the process smoother.

With his deep experience in operations and finance, Bob felt that the role was squarely within his "wheelhouse," confident that he could "help Waikato Milking Systems reach new heights in North America."

Bob expressed excitement about his goals upon joining the company, aiming to "make the North American team more efficient and responsive while providing the right tools for the sales team." This, he explained, was part of a broader strategy to drive significant growth across all market segments, focusing on building the right team, partnering with the best dealers, and continuously encouraging staff to develop professionally.