Nick Rusling, CEO of Human Race Group, has been appointed Chairman of the new Triathlon Industry Association (TIA) board, and will be supported in the role by Mel Berry of Avalanche, as Deputy Chairman.
Rusling will take the reins from David Townsend (TCR Shows) and Jim Peskett (Competitor Group), who have shared the role for the past year.
Since its inception in November 2011, TIA has become the authoritative source of data about triathlon in the UK through the publication of two TIA Annual Triathlete Surveys. TIA has established itself as the voice of the industry, in line with its mission to provide a platform for its industry members to work as an effective collaborative force to develop, grow and protect the sport of triathlon in Britain.
“The sport of triathlon is going through another critical phase in its development with so much competition out there to capture people’s time,” comments Rusling. “Our industry is an exceptionally friendly and co-operative one and we share a number of collective objectives, all of which makes my new role as Chairman of the TIA both rewarding and challenging.
“I started with this great sport when the London Triathlon had 800 people and every journalist called triathlon ‘gruelling’. We’ve come a long way since then but we need to keep learning to ensure our development as an industry and sport continues and I hope I can play my part in this process over the coming months.”
Rusling will be supported by Deputy Chair, Mel Berry of Avalanche whose responsibilities will include overseeing issues arising over kit and equipment, in line with her commercial background.
The TIA comprises event organisers, equipment manufacturers, tour operators, retailers, distributors and media.
The new TIA Board is as follows:
- Nick Rusling, Human Race (Chairman)
- Mel Berry, Avalanche (Deputy Chairman)
- Sue Anstiss, Promote PR
- Ian Clarke, Orca
- Matthew Evans, Activity Wales
- Brendan Fox, Sports Tours International
- Pete Gowans, ERDINGER Alkoholfrei
- Darren Gratton, 220Triathlon
- Simon Hill, Xtra Mile Events
- Dean Jackson, Huub
- Fliss Jackson, Thistle Insurance
- Nick Pape, ActivInstinct
- James Robinson, IMG
- Gary Roethenbaugh, MultiSport Research
- Paul Shanley, Tri247
- Damon Street, Zoot
- David Townsend, TCR Shows
www.triathlonindustryassociation.org
