CityPickle Announces Kim Russen As Chief Operating Officer
CityPickle is proud to announce the appointment of Kim Russen, a leader in the hospitality industry, as Chief Operating Officer. Formerly, Kim served as a Founding Managing Partner and Chief of Food & Beverage at TAO Group Hospitality. Kim’s leadership and guidance will play a critical role in shaping CityPickle’s next chapter. Her focus on operational excellence, elevated guest experience, and scalable systems will help set the standard for future CityPickle venues as the company continues its rapid expansion.
Kim brings more than two decades of leadership and operational expertise in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors to CityPickle. During her tenure at TAO Group, she led operations for more than 50 venues spanning hotels, restaurants, and event spaces. Her background includes multi-unit oversight, large-scale openings, and building high-performing teams. Known for her community-focused approach, disciplined management style, and dedication to operational excellence, Russen has made a lasting impact across every facet of the hospitality industry.
In her role as Chief Operating Officer, Kim will oversee all hospitality aspects of CityPickle’s growing footprint—spanning its venues at Wollman Rink in Central Park, Long Island City, Brooklyn Bridge, the Times Square Flagship, Boca Raton, and a slate of seasonal activations across New York City, Florida, Philadelphia, and additional markets.
Kim will lead hospitality operations, strengthen systems and processes, and ensure consistent excellence across all locations. She will guide new venue development, elevate guest experience standards, and shape the operational strategy behind CityPickle’s national expansion. Drawing on two decades of Food & Beverage expertise, she will also sharpen and expand the brand’s culinary and beverage offerings across the portfolio.
“Kim is a star, and we are honored to have her join our leadership team. As CityPickle rapidly expands, it’s critical to have a leader like Kim step into this impactful role. It’s with great pleasure we welcome her to the CityPickle family” said Mary Cannon, Co-Founder of CityPickle. “Kim’s expertise and fierce attitude brings an entirely new level of hospitality and leadership to our brand that we can’t wait to introduce to our community,” said Erica Desai, Co-Founder of CityPickle.
“It’s an honor to be a part of something so energizing, and I look forward to building on that momentum as I assume the role of COO,” said Kim. “CityPickle has created an incredible community around play, connection, and fun, and I’m excited to help elevate the experience as we grow our footprint and continue delivering best-in-class destinations for pickleball.” Kim also plans on hitting the courts; "I'm still very early in my pickleball journey, but being surrounded by such great players is inspiring. My personal mission is to get good enough to be an amazing doubles partner for my husband."
