Russell has been a part of CEDA for 20 years and was involved in several roles supporting the association, and latterly was the board director with responsibility for Commercial, Legal, HR and Education Support.
Jack Sharkey, CEDA chairman, said: "We'll miss Russ's wry sense of humour and energy not only in our board meetings, but in all the aspects of his involvement with CEDA from regional meetings to our annual and technical conferences.
“He has been a popular figure within CEDA always ready to listen to his peers and share his vast experience and wisdom of the foodservice equipment sector.
"He has been a huge and positive influence on CEDA for many years and we wish him and his family all the best as he starts a new career which utilises all his skills and knowledge of the hospitality sector."
The Catering Equipment Distributors Association represents almost 100 of the leading catering equipment distributors in the UK.