The recently formed Running Industry Alliance (RIA) has announced that Ben Lee has joined its team as Project Development Manager.
He becomes part of the team alongside co-leads Rebecca Richardson and Jonathan Midwood, RIA UK & Ireland Advisory Associate Phil Benton, and Membership Development Manager Dan Keeley.
Ben joins RIA with 15 years’ experience in the running industry across retail, brand and distribution. Following a degree and master’s degree in Sustainability and Environmental Economics, his commercial experience has taken him through recruitment, IT and property businesses, before finding his place in the running industry.
As Retail Director he led Run 4 It to become a multiple award-winning retailer and brought goodr, Knog and COROS to the UK run and outdoor markets.
In 2020 Ben complemented his degree with a course in Sustainable Leadership and Corporate Responsibility at the London School of Business, driving his vision of a more sustainable running industry.
His role as Project Development Manager at RIA will see him working closely with Rebecca Richardson and Jonathan Midwood to support running specialty retailers and to bridge the gap between brands and retailers. Ben’s knowledge of sustainability leadership and corporate responsibility will be a key project development area for RIA and its members.
RIA co-leads Rebecca and Jonathan said “We are excited to welcome Ben to the team, and we are looking forward to working with Ben on a number of important projects.
“Ben’s background covering retail, brand and distribution sees him well placed to help us support the running specialty retailers, and his skills and enthusiasm for the running industry and sustainability will be a great asset to RIA and its members.”
The Running Industry Alliance is a national trade organisation for the UK & Ireland running industry with the aim to collectively help its members to drive the running industry forward to improve the sport and business of running.
www.runningindustryalliance.com
