Presently Australian Sherpa for the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy and Chair NSW Marine Estate Management Authority. Previously Chair Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority & Fisheries R&D Corp, Director Australian Institute of Marine Science, Chief Research Scientist BRS (now ABARES); Board Member Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

Russell Reichelt has had major leadership roles in Australian marine science and policy since 1989. These include Director, Australian Institute of Marine Science (1995 - 2000), Chairman, Fisheries R&D Corporation (1995 - 2001 ), and CEO, CRC Reef Research Centre (2000 - present). In each of these roles he has been responsible for driving major structural changes aimed at optimising research outcomes and linkages between researchers and industry. He has contributed significantly to the development of Australia's Oceans Policy, and steered the development of fisheries research in Australia towards enhanced sustainability through better industrial practices and improved fisheries management and regulation.