White named new Executive Director of Vancouver International Marathon Society
Graeme White now leads non-profit organization with vision to be the world’s best running experience, celebrating all that is Vancouver
Vancouver, BC – June 14, 2016 –
A new era for the Vancouver International Marathon Society has begun, as Graeme White takes reign as Executive Director of the non-profit organization. After a five-year run, and one of the most highly participated-in Vancouver Marathon events ever, Charlene Krepiakevich’s passes over the torch to the Society in good standing and with vision to offer the world’s best running experience, celebrating all that is Vancouver.
With over 20 years experience in the industry of sport business and operations, White has worked at a senior management level developing and delivering many of the world’s most high profile events and brands including the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cups (Men’s and Women’s), the UEFA Champions League, and the Commonwealth Games.
“The opportunity to join the RUNVAN® team was exceptional,” says White. “In the last five years the organization and the RUNVAN® events have gone from strength to strength, and I am excited to join the team that will continue to elevate the RUNVAN® Series as truly special experiences for runners, volunteers and spectators alike.”
“Graeme’s passion and enthusiasm for the role highly impressed the Board,” adds David Lee-Fay, Chair of the Vancouver International Marathon Society. The Society’s volunteer Board of Directors hired White after several months of search. “We are really excited to work with Graeme to continue to build on the success Charlene achieved over her five years as Executive Director.”
White’s expertise extends across marketing, sponsorship, media rights and production, event operations and intellectual property rights. He earned a B.Sc. at the University of British Columbia and a LL.B. from Dalhousie University.
To ensure a smooth transition, White job shadowed out-going Executive Director Charlene Krepiakevich for two months – one month prior to and post the successful 2016 BMO Vancouver Marathon, which welcomed nearly 16,500 runners from over 50 countries.
Krepiakevich joined the Society in 2011 to lead the non-profit in a new strategic direction. She helped the Society in organizing the now world-renown BMO Vancouver Marathon – increasing participation 40%, enabling city neighbourhoods with RUNVAN® spirit, attracting new sponsors, and generating international acclaim for Vancouver’s only marathon event. She also helped grow the Run4Hope charitable program that has now helped runners raise over $14.6 million for charity.
In addition, Krepiakevich was instrumental in spearheading the RUNVAN® brand and the acquisition of the Granville Island Turkey Trot and Fall Classic, adding various race distances so the Society now offers races for everyone from Kids Runs, to a Walk, 5KM, 8KM, 10KM race, Relay, Half Marathon and Vancouver’s only marathon.
Runners who race in all three RUNVAN® events in the same calendar year – the BMO Vancouver Marathon, Granville Island Turkey Trot and Fall Classic – now score the RUNVAN® Hat-trick and receive a special commemorative award.
With a mandate to promote healthy living, engage communities, and create positive experiences, the non-profit Vancouver International Marathon Society will continue to play a large role in growing the sport of running and community engagement.
