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Kent Russell enters his 12th season with the San Jose Sharks and Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment, his eighth as vice president of sales and marketing. He joined the organization in September 1996 as director of ticket sales and promotions. Russell, 50, oversees ticket sales and operations as well as suite sales and hospitality for the Sharks, SAP Open (ATP circuit) and co-promotes building events. As the chief marketing officer for SVS&E, he also oversees marketing, advertising and publicity for a variety of HP Pavilion events. Russell is also responsible for marketing HP Pavilion to the entertainment, sporting and event industries as the top facility in Northern California at which to entertain, play and compete. Before joining the organization, Russell spent three years with the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams as director of sales and marketing where his responsibilities included ticket sales, marketing, advertising and corporate sponsorships. His additional experience includes stints as vice president of sales and promotions for the Arena Football League’s Anaheim Piranhas and general manager of several franchises in the Major Indoor Soccer League. A native of Cleveland, Russell earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Ohio University and a master’s degree in sports administration from The Ohio State University. | 