Press Release: parkrun Global strengthens management team
parkrun Global strengthens management team
World’s largest running community builds on its strategy
London, UK (1st May 2015) — parkrun Global today announces Nick Pearson as its new Chief Executive Officer. Pearson’s knowledge and expertise will guide the management team to develop the global parkrun growth strategy.
parkrun Global is responsible for inspiring the largest running community in the world with over 100,000 runners attending 600 parkruns across 10 countries each weekend.
With 20 years’ experience in the sports industry and as the former Managing Director of the largest UK independent specialist sports retailer, Sweatshop, Pearson is a passionate advocate of the running community. Through sporting initiatives such as Sweatshop Running Community, Pearson has broken down the barriers to physical activity and encouraged thousands of newcomers into the running community.
Paul Sinton-Hewitt, Chairman and founder of parkrun, says: “Nick has been a supporter of parkrun since day one and has indirectly supported our growth through his various initiatives at Sweatshop. I am delighted that parkrun Global will benefit from the knowledge, passion and experience that Nick holds to lead and guide us through our next chapter.
“With a registered member base of 1.6 million runners, over 9 million runs recorded, and with every indication that this growth will continue, now is the time to strengthen our team to explore new opportunities and develop the parkrun phenomenon over the coming decade.”
Nick Pearson, newly appointed CEO of parkrun Global, adds: “parkrun has not only transformed the running landscape in the UK but it is also making running accessible to people of all ages across the world.
“I am honoured to join parkrun Global at such an important time in its development. The impact that free, weekly runs, supported by passionate volunteers, can have on communities all over the world is incredible and I’m excited to see what we, as a team, can achieve.”
Tom Williams, Managing Director, parkrun Limited (UK), confirms: “parkrun UK currently makes up around two-thirds of the parkrun world. Growth outside of the UK is significant and represents not only our greatest opportunity but also our greatest challenge. It's fantastic to see parkrun Global being strengthened through Nick's appointment and I'm excited to work with him as we approach 10 million runs, and beyond.”
Paul Sinton-Hewitt will continue to work closely with the executive team providing input, advice and assistance.
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PRESS ENQUIRIES:
NICKI PETITT, nickipetitt@outlook.com, 07967019426