TravelMuse CEO Bio

Russ Lemelin

CEO and Co-Founder. TravelMuse, Inc.

Russ joined TravelMuse in October 2008 as chief financial officer (CFO) and was named CEO in October 2009. Russ has traveled extensively throughout the United States (he’s proudly visited more than 30 states) and Europe, where his travels have taken him to Mosjoen (Norway), St. Petersburg, Dublin, Monaco and many places in between these destinations. Russ’ extensive financial experience and proven ability to scale companies from start-up to mature, profitable businesses make him the ideal leader for TravelMuse.

Prior to joining TravelMuse, Russ spent seven years as former interim CEO and CFO of SideStep, Inc.—the Internet’s first travel search company. He joined SideStep at the idea stage and successfully built it into one of the Internet’s leading travel sites. SideStep was acquired for approximately $200 million by Kayak in 2007. Before SideStep, Russ oversaw corporate development at Komag, Inc., where his responsibilities included strategic planning and corporate finance. Earlier, Russ was a management consultant with Ernst & Young’s Financial Advisory Services group, where he focused on corporate restructuring and reorganizations.

Russ holds a bachelors degree from California Polytechnic State University and a joint J.D./M.B.A. from the University of San Diego. Russ lives in Danville, Calif., with his wife and three young children

Current dream trip: to recreate with his wife and children a memorable trip to Montana he took as a child with his father.

Russ appreciates any feedback about TravelMuse.com and can be reached at russ@travelmuse.com