Meet the Team
EAG Presents: The Trio at the Helm, Steering Financial and Operational Excellence
Amidst the grandeur of the Naval and Military Club in Piccadilly, London, the story of EAG's top leadership unfolded. Steven Windmill, Michael 'Mike' Russell, and Robert F. Coles are not just the pillars of EAG; they are a cohesive unit that has been quietly shaping the world of work for decades.
Steven Windmill, our Chairman and pro tem CEO, is renowned for his visionary leadership. His journey to the formation of EAG began in the intricate landscapes of Iraq and has since spanned boardrooms across London. His ability to discern potential in the face of adversity has been a cornerstone of EAG's growth.
Michael 'Mike' Russell, our Chief Financial Officer, joined forces with Steven in 2019. Together, they laid the financial foundation upon which EAG stands today. Mike's expertise in IPOs, mergers, and acquisitions, combined with his knack for strategic financial planning, has been instrumental in steering a myriad of financial landscapes.
In 2021, the duo welcomed Robert F. Coles, our Chief Technology Officer, into the fold. A global pioneer in AI and e-learning, Robert's innovative approaches ensured that EAG remains at the forefront of technological advancements. His AI-driven solutions, especially in the realm of language training, have set industry standards.
With the inclusion of Rob Coles, our leadership team combines extensive experience in successful IPOs and post-deal integration combines with cutting-edge expertise in AI, enabling EAG to scale portfolio companies efficiently and maximize profitability through innovative, data-driven strategies.
Together, this trio has been the driving force behind EAG's monumental achievements. One of their most notable collaborations involved leveraging EAG's state-of-the-art algorithms to uncover over GBP £130 Million in off-book assets for a training company in a mere three weeks.
For our partners, stakeholders, and clients, the combined expertise of Windmill, Russell, and Coles symbolizes EAG's unwavering commitment to innovation, growth, and excellence. As we look to the future, we are confident that with this trio at the helm, EAG is poised to redefine the contours of the global financial landscape.
The Top Team: In Detail
Steven M Windmill TD MBA FRSA
Chairman and (pro tem) CEO
Introducing Steven Windmill: A Visionary Leader in IT and Cybersecurity M&A
Steven Windmill, a name synonymous with commercial success and visionary leadership, has emerged as a beacon of excellence in the United Kingdom. With an outstanding track record highlighted by the execution of a monumental £18.6 billion transformational programme, Windmill has established himself as an exceptional leader in the world of mergers and acquisitions; spearheading 51 successful projects, he orchestrated the seamless merger and integration of 21,000 skilled professionals across 44 strategic locations, resulting in an extraordinary £4.3 billion reduction in direct overhead costs.
Recognized for his indomitable spirit, Windmill's remarkable achievements have garnered commendations from the highest echelons of power, including the esteemed corridors of the Prime Minister's office in Downing Street.
At the request of the Iraqi Prime Minister, he commanded a force of 200,000 military personnel on two separate occasions, cementing his legendary status and exemplifying his ability to inspire and lead on a grand scale.
He has served as a CEO in Financial Services, FMCG (Food), and Marketing (manufacturing). Furthermore, as a business consultant and board advisor he has been sought after by organizations spanning multiple industries.
Currently, Windmill holds a Non-Executive Director (NED) appointment at Avestu, a German private equity fund. As a Board Advisor to NEDonBoard, the global professional body representing Non-Executive Directors. Windmill contributed to shaping crucial frameworks such as the 2018 UK Code of Corporate Governance and the groundbreaking Wates Principles of Corporate Governance in 2019.
Michael Russel
CFO
Introducing Michael 'Mike' Russell - Chief Financial Officer
Dynamic and awe-inspiring, Michael 'Mike' Russell commands a wealth of experience and expertise in the world of finance. With a distinguished track record encompassing UK GAAP, AIM, NASDAQ, and NOMAD reporting, several years in Silicon Valley exposed to the lastest thinking in IT and Cybersecurity, he has orchestrated numerous highly successful IPOs as a CFO, including a groundbreaking venture that raised an impressive $300 million for an asset acquisition deal with a major international bank.
Russell's astute leadership has propelled him to achieve oversubscribed IPOs, showcasing his unparalleled ability to drive business growth and navigate the complexities of mergers and acquisitions. Furthermore, his mastery extends to the implementation of vital financial frameworks such as Sarbanes Oxley, GAAP, and IFRS (FRS102). Notably, he has demonstrated exceptional prowess in raising capital across diverse industries, leaving an indelible mark of success.
As CFO, Russell assumes a pivotal role as the chair of the Audit Committee and Remuneration Committee, harnessing his acumen to ensure robust financial oversight. Additionally, he lends his expertise to the Governance & Reporting Committee, Policy & Capital Approval Committee, and Acquisitions Committee. Furthermore, he will co-chair each subsidiary, solidifying his influential presence at every level of the organization.
Michael 'Mike' Russell's dynamic persona and awe-inspiring accomplishments position him as an unparalleled force in the realm of finance. With his unrivaled expertise in IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, and financial frameworks, he brings invaluable insights and strategic guidance to drive success. As an esteemed figure in the industry, Russell's leadership serves as a testament to his exceptional capabilities, making him an ideal candidate for investors seeking a visionary and experienced CFO for their ventures.
Graham Mann
Business Development Director
Graham Mann: A Dynamic and Awe-Inspiring Force in Cybersecurity Consultancy
With an illustrious career spanning over 25 years in the cybersecurity landscape, Graham Mann has amassed a wealth of invaluable experience and know-how, primarily in managed security services. Recognizing the importance of knowledge transfer, Mann has dedicated a significant portion of his time to consultancy, ensuring his expertise is shared with those seeking unparalleled guidance.
Throughout his remarkable journey, Mann has assumed management roles in business development, strategic alliances, sales (both channel and direct), and marketing for esteemed cybersecurity vendors, start-ups, and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). This diverse range of experiences has endowed him with a deep understanding of the industry's intricacies, making him an unrivaled authority in the field.
Boasting an impressive tenure of over 20 years in managed security services and a remarkable 30 years in cybersecurity, Mann stands as the epitome of excellence. His unparalleled expertise positions him as the go-to consultant for matters encompassing sales, marketing, and general business management, particularly strategic considerations. Whether it be a budding start-up or a well-established enterprise, Mann's acumen allows him to make a substantial and transformative contribution.
As a seasoned professional consultant, Mann brings a comprehensive array of skills, including brand consulting, business consulting, management consulting, marketing consulting, cybersecurity, and marketing strategy. His profound insights and strategic guidance serve as catalysts for growth, helping clients achieve their objectives and overcome challenges with remarkable efficacy.
Graham Mann's dynamic persona and awe-inspiring achievements have propelled him to the forefront of the cybersecurity consultancy realm. His extensive experience and unwavering commitment to excellence make him an unparalleled asset in navigating the complex landscape of sales, marketing, and general business management. With his diverse skill set and remarkable track record, Mann stands ready to provide invaluable guidance to organizations seeking to chart a path to success in the ever-evolving cybersecurity arena.
Robert F. Coles
Chief Technology Officer
Robert F. Coles: Recognised globally as a pioneering force in AI and e-learning. Rob designed and built an AI system for language training three years before ChatGTP was launched.
Rob is a highly accomplished and experienced professional in the field of artificial intelligence and software systems design. With a strong background in project management and designing cloud IT and AI systems for start-ups, he has made significant contributions to the e-learning industry as a software and language course designer.
He is recognized as an early pioneer in online e-learning, particularly in the provision of English language education.
Robert's in-depth knowledge of IT, NLP, and LLM AI enables him to excel in the design and implementation of cutting-edge applications. He has served as a beta tester for OpenAI's GPT models and AI21 LLM models, contributing to the advancement of AI technology. His proficiency in UI/UX design and e-learning expertise allows him to create engaging and user-friendly learning platforms.
In his most recent role as founder and head of e-learning at Wordiser Ltd, he managed the development, design (UI/UX), implementation, and testing of e-learning projects. He also designed an innovative e-learning engine with NLP AI systems and developed auto-generated teaching material for teachers. His extensive research into IT frameworks, NLP, expert system datasets, and AI pattern recognition contributed to the overall excellence of the software solutions for the project.
Throughout his career, Robert has showcased his exceptional project management, communication, and organizational skills. He has successfully led teams, planned and developed projects, and provided strategic guidance. His attention to detail and quality control have ensured the delivery of high-quality systems and materials. His ability to liaise effectively with team members, both locally and remotely, has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and achieving project objectives.
Robert holds a degree in Social Anthropology from London University, and he has pursued additional training and certifications in English language teaching and methodological innovations. He has presented at conferences on specialized LMSs for English language teaching and the future of English language teaching in the context of artificial intelligence.
As a Board member of EAG in the capacity of an artificial intelligence and software systems design expert, Robert brings a wealth of experience, a strong track record of successful project delivery, and a deep understanding of the implications and potential of AI in education. His expertise and leadership will contribute significantly to the strategic direction and technological advancements of the company.
Jeremy is a commercially experienced corporate financier and business advisor who has operated at board and shareholder level over the last 20 years with quoted and private businesses in both advisory and commercial positions where he has been instrumental in creating and generating strategic and capital value for shareholders and management teams.
Originally a classical trained musician, Jeremy qualified as a chartered accountant in 1990 and has enjoyed some notable success within the media sector, although his advisory experience spans across numerous sectors and business models.
He has substantial experience assisting on management buy outs/buy in’s, acquisitions and sales and has extensive market knowledge of the private equity, banking and financial communities.
Jeremy has had first-hand experience of client side life as a commercial Finance Director of a private-equity backed MBO team that successfully sold to a NYSE global group, where he became the group’s UK Finance Director.
Stylistically, Jeremy’s been observed by many as someone who operates with good humour, little ego and classically adopts a collaborative, collegiate style of approach for the best results.
Jeremy Rayment FCA CF
Partner: Brabners (Corporate Finance)
Brabners are our chosen financial advisors due to their expertise in M&A and IPOs on the LSE