Mumbai: Technology-driven fan engagement company, Stepathlon has appointed Nick Rusling, a veteran of the sports industry, as managing director. Rusling will be based in London and will report to CEO & chairman Ravi Krishnan.
Rusling has been associated with the sports industry for over 25 years. After working with the sports behemoth, IMG, Rusling turned entrepreneur and started Human Race Events in 2010. Human Race acquired 10 other businesses during its growth phase, created many events from scratch, and in 2016, was acquired by ASO, the owners of the Tour de France, Dakar Rally, and Paris Marathon.
Krishnan said, "I have known Nick for over 15 years. He's not only a great professional from the sports industry but also has relevant commercial, digital, and leadership skills to complement the Stepathlon team. He brings with him many important and relevant relationships in the UK and European market in multiple areas that are relevant for the growth of the company."
Since 2001, Rusling has been primarily focused on the mass participation industries – running, marathons, cycling, and triathlon – delivering hundreds of events for millions of participants all around the world, including the UK, Abu Dhabi, Stockholm, and Barcelona. Prior to mass participation events, Rusling worked as a sports agent, representing Ian Botham, Pat Cash, and Damon Hill.
Krishnan added, " Nick has been building some of the most successful events in the market in some of the greatest cities in the world, pioneering digital progress to enhance the customer experience beyond event day."
Rusling commented, "I am driven, both personally and in business, by getting the world fit and active. The genius of Stepathlon is that we harness the power of fan communities in the world of sport, music and beyond, to inspire and motivate millions of people to get fit and healthy together—all by taking part in our virtual races, unrestricted by the capacity of roads. The opportunity is limitless as everyone is a fan of something."
Rusling has also been heavily involved in the charity sector, helping raise over £150 million for multiple causes, and has worked as a trustee for sports-based charities, Herne Hill Velodrome Trust and Women in Sport.
The appointment follows a new global round of investment that Stepathlon has raised from a pre-eminent mix of individuals from the world of sports, entertainment, media and lifestyle, and prominent investors from private equity, technology, ESG and family offices. Demonstrating confidence in the technology-driven fan engagement business of Stepathlon, existing and new investors participated in this fresh round of capital raise by the company.
