Virgil Andrew

UK Market scoping and growth acceleration

With an outstanding global reach and advanced technology, World's Sports Group is the standard bearer for the promotion of endurance events across the globe. Its two platforms are built to drive incremental bookings from international runners, riders and triathletes. Ahotu The world’s largest and trusted marketplace for endurance events with >55,000 races listed across 29 sports. >1.2M monthly visitors and bookings taken from 190 nations. World's Marathons A global platform catering to athletes looking for destination running events. Target frequently event participants: 50% join 3-10 events per year.

UK facing Marketing strategy lead. Combining specialist digital optimisation and delivery across Paid media, Creators, PR, Content and Comms to drive international growth. Göteborgsvarvet is the largest half marathon in the world with >50,000 participants. A stunning course weaves through the historic streets of Gothenburg. Easily accessible from London airports in 2 hours, it's the jewel in the crown of the Nordic running calendar.

Client portfolio includes: World Athletics, World's Sports Group, Protect Group, Göteborgsvarvet, Ottawa Race Weekend, Runna, Friday Night Lights, The Grounded Events Company, Let's do This, Brand Nation, Find a Race, Disciple London, Real Buzz Group, Duke of Edinburgh Award, iRewind, Massive Agency, KRONOSPORTS, European Athletics.

Running Industry Alliance (RIA) is a member-based independent national trade organisation built for purpose. RIA provides its members with purpose-built benefits and promotional opportunities, Industry connectivity along with the annual The Running Conference (TRC) and The RIA Spring Gathering (TSG) for its members and the Running Industry to meet in person to connect, learn and do business together for the benefit of driving the Running Industry forward.

Contracted to lead on all mass participation activities. This involved building and devising the organisation’s five-year mass participation strategy, as well as the leadership and stewardship of Do It 4 Youth, a new, external facing and exciting virtual challenge.

The Running Bug 2012-2018 was acquired by Sports Direct in 2016. At the time it was the largest content platform for runners in Europe with 750,000 members and a combined social reach of 20M. Leading on all commercial and client services functions to drive business growth. Tasked with securing and delivering new digital, content, brand and engagement partnerships whilst project managing a diverse portfolio of Tier 1 blue chip brands, event organisers and charities across multiple digital touch points. Brand: Nike, Adidas, PUMA, Reebok, Polar, Garmin Lucozade Sport, Science in Sport Events: Human Race, Great Run, Spartan, Grounded Events, Run for All, GSI Not for Profit: Tommy's, Teenage Cancer Trust, Save the Children, Guide Dogs, GOSH, CRUK, BHF, Marie Curie, Mind