Transparent. Collaborative. Industry-led.
Our Governance Structure at Running Industry Alliance (RIA)
Running Industry Alliance (RIA) is an independent member-based alliance for the UK & Ireland’s running industry with global reach.
We are proudly independent, commercially minded, and rooted in collaboration. To ensure we serve our members with integrity and future-focus, we operate a governance structure that reflects the diversity and dynamism of our industry.
Powered by Members, For Members
At Running Industry Alliance, we proudly practice what we promote. All professional services used by RIA – including accounting, insurance, IT systems, marketing, operations, project, creative and event services – are sourced exclusively from within our Member Community wherever possible.
This ensures our investment cycles back into the industry, amplifies member businesses and fosters a trusted, mutually beneficial network. It’s one of the many ways we live our values and demonstrate active collaboration in action.
RIA Strategic Management Team and RIA Core Team
At the heart of RIA is our Strategic Management Team – a leadership group of senior industry professionals who collectively guide decision-making, oversee strategy and ensure delivery of RIA’s mission – led by our CEO. They meet quarterly and are supported by a wider operational team.
We also convene a wider RIA Core Team (all channels), Data Team and Run Team (Brand and Retail focus) who on a scheduled basis to share insight, raise and advise on key topics and represent different segments of the industry. All meetings are with an agenda and actionable next steps by each that are tracked to maintain transparency and keep momentum.
RIA Alliance Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board comprises up to 32 industry leaders and all RIA Members, representing across all ten industry channels that RIA works to – including:
Brands
Retailers
Events
Community
Charity
Services
Suppliers
Media
NGOs/NGBs
Distributors/Buying Groups
The board is paralleled between “Now” and “Future” members to ensure continuity, succession, and innovation.
They provide insight, challenges and connection across the ecosystem.
RIA Alliance Partners
Alongside our Governance structure and Advisory Board, our Alliance Partners play a key role in strengthening the ecosystem. These partnerships are designed to act as fast-track bridges between Members and trusted organisations, providing access to expertise, services, and opportunities that directly support business growth. We are currently reviewing all existing partnerships to ensure they continue to deliver maximum value, while also exploring new collaborations that align with our Members’ needs and the future of the industry.
Working Groups
We have initiated with Members on RIA x TIA working groups around key topics raised for additional focus including Women’s MultiSport Action Group – WMAG and NextGen. Regular working group meetings are held and minutes documented for next actionable steps for that group and overall.
Triathlon Industry Alliance (TIA)
TIA follows structure and governance with an independent board of Industry professionals and working groups, who are all TIA Members.
RIA Events
All RIA in-person and on-line events are member-only based to ensure a safe business space where members can freely interact with each other and know that everyone attending is a RIA and / or TIA Member. A supported eco-system.
Our Governance Principles
RIA aligns with good governance standards through five key principles:
Structure – Clear and accountable decision-making, with a member-first mindset.
People – Board, teams and working groups made up of diverse, experienced, and committed professionals.
Communication – Transparent, two-way dialogue with our members and industry stakeholders.
Standards and Conduct – Ethical, fair, and professional at every level.
Policies and Process – Legally compliant, risk-aware and forward-thinking.
We work in line with Tier 1 guidance from Sport England’s Code of Governance, adapting best practice for our commercial and independent member organisation model.
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