New Industry Association Designed to Elevate ITAD Industry’s Role in Data Security and the Circular Economy
FRESNO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#ERI—ERI, the nation’s leading material resource recovery, ITAD, mobility and data destruction/processing provider and largest recycler of electronics, has joined the Global ITAD Alliance (GIA) as a founding member.
GIA is a new international trade association established to unify, represent, and advance the rapidly maturing IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) industry. With organizations around the world relying on ITAD providers as the first line of defense in safeguarding sensitive data and enabling a truly circular economy, the need for a coordinated, authoritative voice has never been more urgent.
ERI’s co-founder and Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Kevin Dillon will represent ERI on GIA’s founding board of advisors.
“The ITAD industry is positioned for explosive growth,” said John Shegerian, Chairman and CEO of ERI. “We are excited to have played a founding role with the Global ITAD Alliance’s development and for ERI to be members from day one. We are excited to work alongside our industry colleagues to elevate and enhance our entire industry, supporting one another with our common goal to establish ITAD best practices on the road to a circular economy.”
“The GIA is grateful for the leadership of John Shegerian, Kevin Dillon, and the whole team at ERI,” said Darrell Fleming-Kendall, GIA’s Executive Director. “We all know the ITAD industry is rapidly maturing and must unify its voice. Not only are the many companies and organizations within the industry better when we work together, but the world is better served with a thriving ITAD industry. ERI recognizes that, and we at the GIA are inspired by their leadership.”
“We’re honored to be founding members and on the board of the GIA,” said Dillon. “We believe that ITAD has become a mature, growing industry that holds the most critical role in the circular economy, and it is essential that we have our own association that represents ITADs and the role we play in stewarding resources responsibly into the future.”
At its launch, GIA announced its overarching mission, featuring five foundational pillars guiding its work:
- Data Integrity – Protecting data at end-of-life through meaningful and appropriate standards.
- Environmental Stewardship – Advancing responsible reuse, recycling, and carbon-smart practices.
- Operational Excellence – Defining and promoting best-in-class ITAD processes.
- Workforce & Community Development – Supporting training, talent development, and equitable industry participation.
- Industry Advocacy & Representation – Ensuring ITAD has a seat at the table with OEMs, policymakers, and global stakeholders.
GIA’s launch aligns with three flagship events that bring together thousands of ITAD professionals annually:
- ITAD Europe — Nice, April 2026
- ITAD Summit — Las Vegas, August 2026
- Mobile Disrupt — Miami & Las Vegas
These events will serve as critical ecosystems for education, collaboration, and the advancement of GIA priorities.
About the Global ITAD Alliance (GIA)
The Global ITAD Alliance is an international trade association dedicated to advancing the IT Asset Disposition industry through standards development, education, advocacy, and community building. The GIA represents ITAD providers, recyclers, enterprises, OEMs, and technology lifecycle stakeholders committed to data security, environmental responsibility, and ethical operations. Learn more at globalitad.org.
About ERI
ERI is the nation’s leading material resource recovery, ITAD and mobility recycling company. ERI is certified at the highest level by all leading environmental and data security oversight organizations to de-manufacture, recycle, and refurbish every type of electronic device in an environmentally responsible manner. It is the first company in its industry to achieve ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II certifications for security and data protection. ERI has the capacity to process more than a billion pounds of electronic waste annually at its nine certified locations, serving every zip code in the United States. ERI’s mission is to protect people, the planet and privacy. For more information about ITAD services and e-waste recycling at ERI, call 1-800-ERI-DIRECT or visit https://eridirect.com.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Paul Williams
310-569-0023
[email protected]
