Executive Sponsors

What is an Executive Sponsor?

The Executive Sponsor is a champion of the ERG and can help connect the ERG to upper management. This way, they stay aware of the organization's business goals and how the ERG supports them. Sponsors can also guide the appropriate requests for information and who that information comes from. Some organizations encourage executive sponsors who are NOT members of the specific group to encourage the idea that ERGs are open to all and do not discriminate.

ERGs are effective because they are voluntary and employee-led. Executive Sponsors shouldn’t try to control any aspects of the group, including who can join or what the groups should do. Provide support but allow the members to decide and choose the group's direction.

Depending on the ERG’s goals, the executive sponsor can perform several functions for the group. Below are five key roles that executive sponsors can play to help the ERG achieve its objectives. The roles are not prescriptive but should be used by Executive Sponsors to help highlight where their individual strengths could best serve the ERG.

Who can be an Executive Sponsor?

Members of the Operational Leadership Team and the Senior Leadership Team are eligible to be Executive Sponsors. These people are identified with the color orange in the company organizational chart which can be found here.

Those interested in being an Executive Sponsor should fill out the form linked here. Responses can be reviewed here and will also be linked on the Guidelines and Resources page under "Executive Sponsor".

Executive Sponsors should be:

• Strategists - Strategists help the group articulate its mission, vision, and goals and ensure they align with overall business objectives. They are also critical to informing the group’s structure and governance to ensure its initiatives are impactful and align with Fleet Feet's core values and strategic plans.

• Evangelists - Evangelists are passionate leaders who advocate for the ERG on issues and promote the ERG and its initiatives to executives and middle managers.

• Innovators - Innovators are well-positioned to help procure much-needed resources for the group and often push leaders and members to approach obstacles in new ways.

• Brokers - Brokers help propel the ERG forward by making connections within and outside the organization, ensuring group leaders understand the company’s priorities, and procuring funding for the group.

• Mentors - Mentors teach professional and leadership skills and provide career advice to ERG leaders and members.

Executive Sponsors should expect to:

• Act as an advocate for all ERGs at Fleet Feet

• Work with the ERG Leaders to establish clear expectations for how the Executive Sponsor can support the group, and identify short and long-term goals so that the Executive Sponsor has a framework to help meet the needs of the ERG

• Allow the ERG Leaders and Members to drive the direction of the group

• Support the ERG's goals in the broader organization, and play an active role in the personal and professional growth of leaders and members

• Regularly meet with ERG Leaders to discuss key business Initiatives, goals, and strategic plans

• Act in an advisory role to ERG Leaders for annual budget planning 

• Solicit and advocate for others to participate in ERG events

• Share updates on the ERG's progress with their Leadership Team

Guidance on how to identify and recruit an Executive Sponsor, as well as more details for those who are considering becoming an Executive Sponsor, can be found on the Toolkit and Resources page here.