Ex-TechCrunch Editor, Crypto.com Venture Partner Jon Russell Joins Pan-Asia PR Firm Ellerton & Co.

SINGAPORE, 3 September 2026 — Ellerton & Co., the Singapore-based pan-Asia public relations firm, has appointed Jon Russell, a former Asia technology journalist and crypto investor, as its new Executive Director. Russell’s arrival strengthens Ellerton’s work around venture capital, startups, crypto and technology, and adds further senior media expertise to the agency’s senior management team.

Russell, who is based in Bangkok, Thailand, clocked more than a decade in reporting and editorial roles for The Ken, TechCrunch and The Next Web. He later moved into venture capital, including time with Crypto.com Capital, and spent the last three years as an independent marketing and content consultant.

This appointment comes at a time when Ellerton expands its services beyond traditional, earned media communications and into new areas in response to demand. Earlier this year, the firm launched Ellerton Creative Studio and other areas of expansion include investor relations, founder positioning, owned content, narrative development and go-to-market communications.

During his time in the media, Russell interviewed hundreds of CEOs and startups and published thousands of articles. His reporting covered funding, venture capital, fintech, crypto, consumer internet, AI and the evolution of Southeast Asia's digital economy. He continues to write with Asia Tech Review, a newsletter covering technology, startups and investment in Asia.

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Jon Russell, Executive Director at Ellerton & Co. said

"Technology companies in Asia don’t just need more press coverage. They need clearer stories. "Founders and investors are operating across fragmented markets, with tighter funding conditions and a shrinking media landscape. Ellerton has built an impressive reputation in the last decade, and I look forward to helping grow the business around further still.”

Oliver Ellerton, Managing Partner of Ellerton & Co. said

"Jon has spent his career understanding how technology businesses in Asia are built, funded and communicated," said Oliver Ellerton, Managing Partner of Ellerton & Co. "That combination of editorial judgement, investor perspective and founder empathy will strengthen the counsel we provide to clients. His appointment also adds senior leadership as we deepen our work across venture capital, technology and crypto."

Prayaank Gupta, Partner at Ellerton & Co. said

“We've been very measured in how we grow, bringing in consultants who can deliver exemplary work for a global client base. Jon understands media and PR from the inside, and across a wide spread of industries. He has interviewed hundreds of founders and CEOs, and I've found that kind of media experience to be one of the most valuable things you can bring to advising clients on their earned and owned strategy,” said Prayaank Gupta, Partner at Ellerton & Co. “Our clients can take delight in knowing that one of the best media and communications minds in Asia is now behind their mandates.”

Ellerton has grown to more than 30 consultants across nearly 10 markets that include Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Japan. In addition, as a partner in the GlobalCom PR Network, the agency supports clients across more than 100 countries.

This year has been one of growth for Ellerton. In April 2026, founder Oliver Ellerton was elevated to Managing Partner, with Michael de Waal-Montgomery and Prayaank Gupta appointed as Partners. It also launched Ellerton Creative Studio to venture beyond traditional communications for clients.

Ellerton’s wider management team includes academia experts Dr Adam Goulston in Japan and Dr Gareth Dyke, working on joint mandates and engagement with universities and research institutions, executive communications coach and trainer Michael Campion, and Gloria Montgomery as the touchpoint for European clients entering Asian markets. As a partner in the GlobalCom PR Network, the agency supports clients across more than 100 countries.

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‍About Ellerton & Co.

Ellerton & Co. is an award-winning, independent public relations and integrated communications agency headquartered in Singapore, with a strong footprint across Greater Southeast Asia and India. Supported by offices and consultants in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India and Hong Kong, plus trusted partners in the Middle East, the U.S. and Europe, the agency blends creativity with real business insight to deliver media relations, corporate communications, creative services (via Ellerton Creative Studio), investor relations, digital marketing, social media and more.

Ellerton & Co. has partnered with more than 500 brands, secured over 20,000 organic media placements across regional and global outlets, earned more than 20 global PR industry awards, and supported over 100 IPOs, SPACs, M&A mandates and funding rounds. It serves global multinationals, listed companies, high-growth startups and SMEs. For more information, visit www.ellerton.co 

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