© Walter Kallenbach
Strategy | Communication | Resilience
Eleonora Russell
Eleonora Russell is an expert in strategic communication with experience at the highest levels of international security and diplomacy. She has built a career in global defence communication, showing how language shapes strategy, leadership and public understanding.
Languages:
Employability:
Keynote Speaker,Moderator
Employability:
Keynote Speaker,Moderator,
About Eleonora Russell
Eleonora combines analytical precision with warmth, clarity and humour, translating intricate ideas into language that resonates with diverse audiences. As both a speaker and moderator, she brings structure and insight to every discussion, fostering meaningful dialogue among participants.
From 2017 to 2021, Eleonora served as Senior Speechwriter at the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, where she crafted speeches, editorials and essays for the Minister of Defence, the State Secretary and the Chief of Defence. Following her tenure in The Hague, she joined NATO Headquarters in Brussels as Strategic Communications Advisor, where she advised the NATO Military Committee — the Alliance’s highest military authority — on communication strategy and message alignment across member states. Her work strengthened cohesion and clarity in NATO’s messaging at a time of great political and military challenges for the Alliance. Eleonora helped build public support for major investments in defence as well as for strengthening societal resilience and international cooperation.
Eleonora is the co-author of If You Want Peace, Prepare for War, written with Admiral (ret.) Rob Bauer, former Chair of the NATO Military Committee. Her speechwriting has earned international recognition, including the prestigious Grand Cicero Award. Her work as a communications advisor was awarded with the NATO Meritorious Service Medal and the Decoration of Merit in gold of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence.