Nick Pearson to depart parkrun after seven years of making the world healthier and happier
After nearly seven years leading the charity, Nick Pearson, Chief Executive of parkrun Global, has announced his plans to leave the role in 2022.
During his time at parkrun Nick is credited with redefining its purpose-driven approach and ultimately transforming the organisation into a charity that now delivers over 2,000 events in 23 countries across the globe. Importantly, he created a funding and central governance model that has allowed the organisation to sustainably grow and evolve.
Over the past two years Nick has led the organisation through arguably its most challenging time. Under his direction, the charity has successfully navigated its way through the global pandemic and is now well positioned to continue on its mission, at a time when the provision of free, regular, informal, community physical activity has never been more important.
Nick said: “It has been a privilege leading the organisation for nearly seven years and I am immensely proud of what parkrun has achieved in that time. I feel like now is the right time for me to move on and explore new opportunities, whilst parkrun can benefit from new ideas and a fresh perspective.”
Nick will remain in post until February 2022, when Russ Jefferys will take the role of interim CEO. Nick has agreed to facilitate a three-month transition, with the Trustees expecting to make Russ’ appointment permanent in May 2022.
Russ has worked alongside Nick since 2015, and in his role as Head of Communications has overseen a transformation in the organisation’s brand, communication, and marketing, with parkrun now established as a household name in the UK and around the world.
Russ has also managed the evolution of parkrun’s commercial revenue, developing a successful sponsorship portfolio and significantly growing the retail side of the business.
Chair of parkrun Global Gavin Megaw paid tribute to Nick saying “Nick has been a fantastic leader for parkrun. He has helped the organisation grow up in every way, developing a strategy to do more across the globe and become more sustainable.
“It is not too big a statement to say that Nick kept parkrun alive in his early years, and he leaves the charity in a far better position than he found it, with stronger governance and finances and a great team committed to making the world healthier and happier.
“I am delighted that Russ has agreed to take over from Nick at what is an important and exciting time for the charity. The Board had no hesitancy in unanimously agreeing that Russ has the qualities to lead parkrun to even greater heights.”