Leadership

Russell Wilkerson is managing director of communications and public affairs for GE Capital, one of GE's four operating segments. He leads the development and delivery of the GE Capital story and aligns internal, external and public affairs communications in support of GE Capital's global leadership position. Wilkerson is a member of GE Capital's leadership team and reports to GE Vice Chairman and GE Capital CEO Mike Neal.

Wilkerson joined GE Capital in 2009 after serving four years as GE's director of financial communications. In this position, he oversaw the company's reputation and strategic communications, and media relations on mergers & acquisitions, quarterly earnings, annual report and other general business issues. In addition, he provided strategic communications counsel to executive leadership on a number of critical issues during the financial crisis.

Prior to joining GE, Wilkerson was director of financial communications for Nextel Communications, where he helped lead communications for the $35 billion merger with Sprint in 2004. In addition, he was the point communicator for Nextel's sponsorship of the 2004 Republican and Democratic National Conventions and supported the company's inaugural NASCAR sponsorship. Before Nextel, Wilkerson held senior communications and government affairs positions with AT&T Wireless, Sprint and a number of high-tech start-ups. From 1990-1995, he served as a legislative assistant to US Senator John Warner (R-VA), managing commerce, judiciary and telecommunications issues.

Wilkerson has an MBA from Johns Hopkins University and BA from Washington & Lee University.