Russell Merry

Project Director @VIRTUS Data Centres

London, GB

Technical Operations | London (Hayes)As Project Director within Technical Operations at VIRTUS Data Centres, I am responsible for the strategic leadership and delivery of complex, mission‑critical data centre projects across the UK portfolio. I lead multidisciplinary teams to safely deliver high‑value capital projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, operational readiness, and long‑term asset performance.My role spans the full project lifecycle, from early feasibility and design development through procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover to operations. I work closely with internal stakeholders, contractors, consultants, and supply chain partners to manage risk, control cost and programme, and maintain the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance.Key areas of focus include- Programme and project governance for large‑scale data centre developments and upgrades- Leadership of project managers and delivery teams across multiple sites- Stakeholder engagement across operations, commercial, and senior leadership- Management of contractor performance, change control, and commercial outcomes- Supporting business growth through scalable, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure delivery- Managing multiple concurrent projects across live data centre environments- Supporting rapid capacity growth and operational resilienceI am particularly passionate about building high‑performing teams, driving continuous improvement, and delivering technically robust solutions that support critical digital infrastructure.

East Berkshire college

Apprenticeship, Electrical installation

Strodes college

A/AS levels

Windsor Boys school

Gcse's