Meet The Team

Role: John Hayes has led Champions UK plc as CEO since 2003, driving its growth into a leading UK and international agency. He oversees a broad portfolio spanning speaker booking, entertainment, PR, marketing and events. Under his leadership, the business has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality talent and experiences. A recent example includes the Champions Speakers Showcase, bringing together world-class voices on leadership and performance.

Role: Matthew Hayes is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Champions UK plc, where he leads a growth-focused consultancy supporting businesses through every stage of their journey. Since 2003, he has driven the agency’s expansion into an international partner delivering results across sales, people, technology and investment. Working closely with entrepreneurs, he helps organisations refine strategy, unlock growth and navigate change, with a practical, hands-on approach grounded in commercial experience.

Role: Shivani Sharma serves as Executive Assistant to the Managing Director at Champions Speakers Agency, providing high-level support across a fast-moving, international business. With over a decade of experience, she manages complex schedules, coordinates key projects, and ensures seamless communication between senior leadership and stakeholders. Her calm, organised approach keeps priorities on track; she can oversee multiple event bookings while handling executive logistics, helping the agency run efficiently and deliver for clients.

Role: As Managing Director of Champions Speakers Agency, Jack Hayes leads global speaker, entertainment and talent bookings, overseeing delivery for clients in 66 countries. He has helped grow a roster of over 5,000 speakers, from elite athletes to business leaders. Under his leadership, Champions has expanded into specialist areas and earned recognition from Richard Branson’s Fast Track 100, while maintaining a strong client-focused service.

Role: Chris Greenwell serves as Head of Legal at the Champions Speakers Agency, bringing nearly four decades of dispute resolution experience into a strategic advisory role. He supports the business with clear, commercially focused legal guidance, helping navigate risk and governance with confidence. Drawing on his background with Gateley PLC and AIM-regulated environments, he ensures decisions are robust, practical, and aligned with long-term business growth.

Role: As Director of Sport at Champions, Tim Munton leads the agency’s sporting strategy, connecting elite talent with businesses and events. He drives commercial partnerships across major golf events, including the Farmfoods European Senior Masters and British Par 3 Championship. With a strong network built over decades in professional sport, he links clients with credible voices, ensuring events benefit from authentic insight and high-profile sporting expertise.

Role: As Sales Director at The Champions Speakers Agency, Sophia Reed leads commercial strategy and client growth within Champions (UK) plc. She works closely with in-house teams across marketing, PR, events and talent management to deliver tailored speaker solutions. Her role centres on driving revenue, strengthening client relationships and ensuring measurable return on investment, while supporting the agency’s long-term approach to partnerships and brand development across a diverse portfolio of clients.

Role: As Commercial Director at The Champions Speakers Agency, Chris Darlington brings sharp commercial insight and hands-on leadership. He supports SME growth, focusing on increasing shareholder value, succession planning, and successful exits. With over 20 years’ experience in top ten accountancy firms, he combines strong financial expertise with a practical mindset. Chris is known for challenging ideas constructively, solving complex business issues, and driving meaningful change that delivers long-term value for clients and partners alike.

Role: Roxanna Farthing serves as Operations Director at Champions Speakers Agency, overseeing delivery across its integrated services. Rising from Project Coordinator to senior leadership, she brings deep operational insight and clear strategic direction. Roxy monitors progress, budgets and timelines, ensuring consistent, high-quality outcomes for clients. With expertise in teamwork, leadership and marginal gains, she drives performance, supports teams and sustains long-term client relationships across the agency today beyond.

Role: Amelia Neate serves as a Senior Talent Executive at Champions Speakers Agency, managing a diverse roster of high-profile talent across sport and entertainment. She develops personal brands, secures commercial opportunities, and connects clients with impactful campaigns and events. Drawing on years of experience in influencer marketing and celebrity management, she builds strong relationships with brands and talent alike. She has supported major projects involving international sporting figures and broadcast appearances on global platforms.

Role: Louisa Mason-Hayes serves as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Champions Speakers Agency, where she leads the delivery of impactful charity events. She oversees live and silent auctions, securing exclusive prizes across sport, entertainment and travel to maximise fundraising outcomes. Working within a family-run leadership team, she also supports celebrity management and client engagement. Her role blends strategic planning with hands-on delivery, helping organisations elevate events while driving meaningful contributions to charitable causes.

Role: As Head of IT at Champions Speakers Agency, Pablo Garner leads the delivery of secure, scalable and high-performing systems. With nine years of hands-on experience, he manages critical infrastructure while developing AI-driven platforms used across the business. His work spans cloud strategy, cybersecurity and systems automation, alongside building intelligent applications that streamline operations. He also contributes to AI security research, ensuring emerging technologies are implemented safely and effectively within real-world environments.

Role: As an IT Support Apprentice at Champions Speakers Agency, Kailum Quailey plays a key role in keeping day-to-day systems running smoothly. He provides first-line technical support across the business, resolving issues quickly and supporting staff with hardware, software and network queries. Alongside this, he is developing practical skills in system maintenance, troubleshooting and IT operations, contributing to a reliable and efficient working environment while building a strong foundation for a future career in technology.

Role: As Senior Keynote Speaker & Entertainment Manager at Champions Speakers Agency, Chris Tompkins leads high-profile client relationships across the UK and globally, delivering standout speaker and entertainment bookings. Since joining in 2019, he has progressed into a senior role, mentoring colleagues and maintaining exceptional standards. Working with brands including Google and Goldman Sachs, he connects organisations with world-class talent to create impactful, memorable events.

Role: Mark Matthews is a Senior Keynote Speaker and Entertainment Manager at Champions Speakers Agency, where he has progressed since joining in 2017. With a strong background in speaker sales, he specialises in connecting clients with high-impact talent for events worldwide. His experience combines commercial awareness with a clear understanding of audience needs. Prior to this, he spent over a decade managing Swans of Oakham, building his leadership and client service expertise.

Role: At Champions Speakers Agency, Liam Bailey plays a central role as a Keynote Speaker and Entertainment Executive, specialising in sporting talent. He works closely with high-profile athletes, arranging appearances, sportsman’s dinners, and live events featuring former players. His background in sports management and sales brings a commercial edge, ensuring each booking delivers value. He regularly connects ex-professionals with corporate audiences, creating engaging, memorable experiences tailored to client objectives.

Role: As a Keynote Speaker and Entertainment Executive at Champions Speakers Agency, Lottie Marsh blends commercial awareness with creative delivery, supporting clients in securing impactful talent for events. Since joining in April 2024, she has played a hands-on role in managing bookings and building strong client relationships.

Role: Lara Gee is a Keynote Speaker and Entertainment Executive at Champions Speakers Agency, where she connects clients with leading talent and delivers tailored event solutions. Since joining in 2024, she has built a reputation for organisation, clear communication, and commercial awareness. With a background spanning sales, hospitality, and event delivery, Lara brings a practical, client focused approach, ensuring each booking runs smoothly and meets expectations from initial enquiry through to event completion.

Role: Lucy Reilly is a Keynote Speaker and Entertainment Executive at Champions UK plc, based in Loughborough. Since joining in January 2025, she has played a key role in connecting clients with leading speakers and talent, supporting events across a range of industries. With a background in Hospitality Management from Oxford Brookes University, she brings strong organisation and people skills. Known for her sociable approach, she adapts quickly, ensuring each booking runs smoothly from enquiry to delivery.

Role: Laura Hayes is a Senior Celebrity & Brand Partnership Executive at Champions UK plc, where she spent three years delivering engaging talks while managing entertainment bookings for clients across sectors. She combines commercial awareness with strong industry insight, shaped by her earlier role in business development at Blue Monday Events Ltd. A Business and Management graduate from Leeds Beckett University, she brings a confident, client-focused approach, supporting corporate events with tailored speaker and talent solutions that meet clear objectives.

Role: Alan Warner serves as Music and Entertainment Business Manager at Champions UK plc, bringing over five decades of industry experience. He leads on talent booking, artist relations and commercial partnerships, drawing on a career spanning cruise ships, Yamaha, and his own agency. Alan’s knowledge of live entertainment, contracts and global touring supports clients in securing high-quality acts, with practical insight shaped by years managing performers and major productions worldwide for diverse international events and audiences.

Role: Joe Burton is a Senior Music & Entertainment Sales Executive at Champions Speakers Agency, where he connects clients with high-quality performers for events worldwide. Since joining in 2021, he has progressed through the business, building strong industry knowledge and client relationships. With a background in technical operations at sea, Joe brings practical expertise in live entertainment delivery, ensuring seamless bookings that meet client briefs, budgets and audience expectations across corporate, private and large-scale events.

Role: Rachel Hilton is a Music and Entertainment Executive at Champions UK plc, where she manages talent bookings and delivers tailored entertainment solutions for clients across the UK. With a strong background in events, she brings over 15 years of experience from her time as Events and Operations Director at Stubton Hall. Rachel combines commercial insight with creative flair, ensuring every event runs smoothly, meets client expectations, and features high-quality, engaging performers suited to each brief.

Role: Erin Watts is a Music & Entertainment Executive at The Champions Speakers Agency, where she manages talent bookings and supports clients in delivering engaging live experiences. Since joining in November 2024, she has worked on sourcing artists, coordinating logistics, and building strong relationships with performers and event organisers. Based on-site, Erin plays a key role in ensuring each booking runs smoothly, helping clients secure the right entertainment to elevate their events and connect with audiences.

Role: Lottie Jones is the Celebrity and Keynote Speaker Business and Contracts Manager at Champions UK plc, where she oversees bookings, negotiations and contract delivery for high-profile talent. She ensures each engagement runs smoothly, balancing client needs with speaker expectations. Lottie progressed from Celebrity Admin Executive, building strong operational knowledge. Her background spans content coordination and events delivery, shaping her practical, detail-focused approach.

Role: Nicola Taylor is PA to the Managing Director and Celebrity Contracts Administrator at Champions Speakers Agency, overseeing contracts, client coordination, and day-to-day executive support. Progressing through senior administrative roles, she brings strong organisational skill and industry knowledge. Her background in events and polo administration adds a practical, client-focused approach. With postgraduate training in International Events Management and recent study in Contract Law, Nicola ensures smooth operations across high-profile speaker engagements.

Role: serves as a Celebrity Administration Executive at Champions UK plc, where she supports the seamless delivery of high-profile bookings. Based in Loughborough, she manages logistics, coordinates talent requirements, and ensures clients receive a polished experience. Since joining in March 2023, Edwina has played a key role in maintaining strong relationships between celebrities and clients, helping events run smoothly and professionally from initial enquiry through to final delivery.

Role: Chloe Spence is a Celebrity Administration and Partnership Executive at Champions Speakers Agency, supporting outreach, events, and digital campaigns across two brands. She has secured high-profile bookings through targeted outreach and delivered engaging e-shot campaigns using Adobe. Chloe also led a social media refresh, increasing engagement by over 1000%. Alongside this, she manages research, speaker coordination, and invoicing, ensuring smooth operations, strong communication, and consistent delivery across fast-moving projects.

Role: serves as Head of Speaker Content & Projects at Champions Speakers Agency, leading content strategy and campaign delivery across the business. She oversees digital marketing, manages projects, and guides a growing team, ensuring speaker profiles and campaigns are commercially effective. Progressing from SEO Apprentice to senior leadership, she brings strong expertise in search, copy, and audience engagement, helping position speakers for maximum visibility and bookings while maintaining high editorial standards across content output.

Role: Maisy Shaw is a Digital Marketing Intern at The Champions Speakers Agency, supporting online visibility and audience engagement. Since July 2025, she has contributed to SEO, content planning and digital campaigns, helping to strengthen the agency’s online presence. Alongside this, she brings prior administrative experience from Wintech. Maisy recently completed a First Class degree in English Literature and Creative Writing at the University of Chester, combining strong communication skills with a creative, detail-focused approach.

Role: Maia Gibbs is a Celebrity Content and Outreach Executive at Champions Speakers Agency, specialising in high-impact content writing across digital platforms. She produces SEO-led articles, speaker profiles, and campaign copy that drive visibility and engagement. Working with celebrities, journalists, and keynote speakers, she shapes compelling narratives that secure media coverage. With a strong editorial background, Maia blends creativity with strategy, ensuring every piece of content is purposeful, on-brand, and aligned with commercial goals.

Role: Tilly Shaw is a Celebrity Digital Marketing & SEO Executive at Champions UK plc, working across the Champions Speakers Agency brand. She supports campaign delivery, SEO strategy and content creation to promote a wide range of keynote speakers. She takes a practical, organised approach to digital marketing, helping clients reach the right audiences through clear, engaging online content that strengthens visibility and drives consistent results.

Role: Senior Accounts Manager Sharon Sparano plays a central role in the financial operations of the business. She oversees purchase and sales ledgers, manages all incoming and outgoing payments, and ensures accurate payroll across the company. Leading a team of four Account Assistants, she keeps the accounts function running smoothly. Her long-standing experience brings consistency and financial control to a fast-moving agency environment.

Role: Teresa Blankley plays a key role as an Accounts Assistant at The Champions Speakers Agency, supporting the smooth running of financial operations. Since joining in May 2022, she has developed strong expertise in financial accounting, handling day-to-day processes with accuracy and care. She contributes to maintaining efficient systems, ensuring invoices, payments, and records are managed effectively, helping the wider team deliver a reliable and professional service to clients and partners.

Role: Sue Randall plays a vital role as Credit Controller at The Champions Speakers Agency, ensuring the smooth management of client accounts and financial processes. She oversees invoicing, payments, and credit control with precision, helping maintain strong cash flow across the business. Sue builds trusted relationships with clients while keeping operations efficient and organised. She regularly liaises with finance teams to resolve queries quickly, supporting both internal teams and clients with clear, reliable communication.

Role: Finance Assistant Kartik Mahesh supports the day-to-day running of accounts, managing purchase and sales ledgers with accuracy and pace. Having progressed from an accounts apprenticeship, he brings practical experience alongside AAT Level 2 and 3 qualifications. Kartik is also Xero Advisor Certified, strengthening digital accounting processes. His work underpins smooth financial operations; for example, ensuring supplier payments are processed promptly while maintaining clear, reliable records across the business.

Role: Sho Goswami is Financial Controller at Champions Speakers Agency, leading the finance function for a multi-million pound group. He oversees a team delivering accurate monthly management accounts, profitability forecasts and board-level reporting. With strong expertise in cloud accounting and Excel, he drives efficiency and robust controls. Sho also leads audits, ensures compliance, and works closely across departments, providing clear financial insight that supports confident decision-making and sustained commercial growth.

Role: Tejasvi Naik is an Accountant at Champions UK plc, supporting accurate financial reporting across the business. She manages accruals, prepayments and reconciliations, while contributing to budgets, forecasts and cash flow oversight. Tejasvi also prepares management accounts and oversees intercompany transactions for consolidated reporting. Her earlier roles in practice and audit strengthened her technical grounding, giving her a reliable, detail-focused approach to financial control in a fast-moving commercial environment.

Role: Lando the Dog, Head of Security, takes his role very seriously, patrolling every corner with sharp focus and a wagging tail. Known for his loyalty and calm authority, he keeps a watchful eye on daily activity, greeting visitors with cautious curiosity before granting approval. Nothing escapes his attention, from unfamiliar sounds to unexpected movement. Off duty, he enjoys well-earned naps and the occasional treat, ready to resume his post at a moment’s notice.

Role: Lisa Brakewell is Head of Project Management at Champions UK plc, bringing over 15 years of experience across client relations, training, and leadership. She leads with clear communication and strong strategic thinking, overseeing complex projects and ensuring delivery at every stage. Previously, she spent six years at TBM Consulting Group, supporting business transformation programmes. Lisa also contributes to education as a school governor, reflecting her commitment to development and mentoring.

Role: Emma Mills is a Strategy Manager at Champions Speakers Agency, where she shapes brand direction and commercial strategy. Since joining in 2022, she has progressed steadily through brand strategy roles, reflecting a sharp understanding of audience engagement and positioning. A Sheffield Hallam graduate in business and marketing, Emma combines academic grounding with hands-on experience, helping clients and speakers present clear, compelling narratives that drive impact and long-term value.

Role: Ewen Lewis, Head of Creative at Champions Speakers Agency, brings over 30 years’ experience shaping brands that resonate. A Cream Award winner, he has led brand strategy, design and campaigns across sectors including finance, automotive and education. He oversees creative output across multiple departments, delivering impactful identities and campaigns. Known for hands-on execution and sharp creative thinking, he combines technical skill with commercial insight, consistently producing work that performs. He plays drums in downtime.

Role: Tyler Royle is a Graphic Designer at Champions UK plc, where he creates bold visual assets across digital and print campaigns. With a First Class Honours degree in Graphic Design (Illustration) from De Montfort University, he combines strong illustration with motion graphics and typography. His experience spans roles at Micro-Fresh® and freelance work, giving him a sharp eye for brand consistency. A recent example includes designing speaker promotional graphics used across global client event campaigns.

Role: Jessica Spence is a Graphic Designer at Champions Speakers Agency, bringing a sharp creative eye and strong illustration background to the team. Since joining in March 2025, she has contributed to visual campaigns and brand assets that elevate client and speaker profiles. Jessica holds an MA in Illustration with Distinction from Nottingham Trent University and a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree from the University of Derby, combining technical skill with a clear, engaging design style.

Role: Head of Communications, Lucy Capaldo brings over 20 years of experience across PR, marketing and strategic communications. She leads with clarity and creativity, shaping campaigns that engage and influence stakeholders. Lucy’s background spans media relations, digital content, crisis management and internal communications. For example, she guided a full corporate rebrand earlier in her career. A skilled copywriter, she develops strong tone of voice and delivers consistent, results-focused messaging across every channel.

Role: Nicole Middleton is Keynote Speaker Marketing Manager at Champions Speakers Agency, bringing extensive experience across integrated marketing and client services. With a BCom in Marketing Management from the University of Johannesburg, she has led multi-channel campaigns, managed high-profile accounts, and delivered strategic, data-led content. Her background spans advertising, social media and account leadership, enabling her to build strong client relationships, drive engagement, and support impactful speaker campaigns worldwide for leading brands and organisations globally today.

Role: Poppy Taylor is the Communications & PR Manager at Champions Speakers Agency, where she leads on brand messaging, media relations, and content strategy. She plays a key role in promoting a diverse roster of speakers, events and brands, ensuring their profiles reach the right audiences. With a sharp eye for storytelling and detail, Poppy helps position speakers effectively, supporting clients in securing impactful talent for events across the UK and internationally.

Role: Jared Miller is Communications Manager at Champions Speakers Agency, where he oversees PR strategy, media relations and multi-channel content delivery for a wide range of clients. He works closely with internal teams to shape long-term communications plans, driving visibility through press coverage, social platforms and targeted campaigns. Progressing through the business, he has developed a strong understanding of brand positioning, ensuring consistent messaging that supports commercial growth and strengthens client presence across competitive markets.

Role: Lily Bell is a dynamic Keynote Speaker and Social Media & Process Manager, leading strategy across more than 20 digital accounts. She combines data insight with creative execution, delivering campaigns that drive engagement, reach and lead generation. With experience spanning agency, consultancy and entrepreneurship, she brings a practical, results-focused perspective. Lily regularly shares expertise on social media growth, content strategy and turning online audiences into measurable commercial success.

Role: Sam Jones is Head of Speaker & Events Videography at Champions Speakers Agency, producing high-impact content for leading clients. A First Class and Master’s graduate from De Montfort University, he specialises in video production and post-production. Sam has delivered national TV campaigns aired on Sky TV and GB News, alongside growing digital channels and creating engaging content featuring global speakers and talent.

Role: Aléna Anthony is Keynote Speaker SEO Lead at The Champions Speakers Agency, bringing a thoughtful blend of creativity and data-led marketing. With an MSc in Digital Marketing, CIM Diploma, and First Class English Literature degree, she combines analytical thinking with strong communication. Progressing from Junior SEO Executive to interim lead, she has built expertise in content strategy, optimisation, and performance. Her approach centres on using insight and clear messaging to help businesses grow online effectively.

Role: Jamie Lee is a Keynote Speaker Marketing Executive at Champions Speakers Agency, specialising in SEO, email marketing, and digital strategy. With a strong background across agency and in-house roles, he brings hands-on experience in website management, content creation, and campaign delivery. Previously at Ned Holdings and Bakers Environmental Solutions, he developed integrated marketing plans, managed multi-channel campaigns, and supported brand growth through data-led insight and creative execution.

Role: Taylor Morely is a Digital Account Manager at The Champions Speakers Agency, specialising in connecting clients with high-impact speakers. With a strong understanding of digital strategy and audience engagement, Taylor supports brands in delivering memorable events. His expertise spans speaker curation, client relations, and campaign delivery, ensuring each booking aligns with business goals. He brings a practical, results-driven approach to the fast-moving events and communications landscape.

Role: Tom Parker is a E-Commerce & Digital Executive at Champions Speakers Agency, known for helping businesses grow online with practical, results-driven insight. He draws on hands-on experience across digital strategy, marketplaces and performance marketing. His talks focus on scaling e-commerce operations, improving customer journeys and driving revenue. One example includes advising a retail brand to refine its online funnel, increasing conversion rates and boosting overall sales performance.

Role: Josie Ellingham is a Digital Marketing Apprentice at Champions Speakers Agency, where she supports the delivery of social media campaigns, content creation, and speaker promotion. Working within a busy marketing team, she contributes to growing online engagement and strengthening brand presence. Her role offers hands-on experience across digital channels, from planning posts to analysing performance, building a solid foundation in marketing within the live events and speakers industry.

Role: Jennifer Kettle is a Digital Marketing Apprentice at The Champions Speakers Agency, supporting the promotion of keynote speakers and brands across a range of industries. With a BSc in Media Production from De Montfort University, she brings strong creative and technical skills to her role. Her experience in video and photography enhances campaign delivery, helping speakers stand out online. Jennifer combines attention to detail with hands-on digital expertise, contributing to effective marketing strategies that connect clients with the right talent.

Role: is a Digital Marketing Apprentice at The Champions Speakers Agency, currently studying at Nottingham Trent University. He supports the marketing team across lead generation, SEO, analytics, and campaign optimisation. Shid is known for his strong work ethic and attention to detail, with a clear focus on data-led growth, continuous improvement, and delivering effective digital campaigns that drive measurable results for clients.

Role: Cailin Wallace is a Social Media Apprentice at Champions UK plc, where she supports the delivery of day-to-day digital marketing activity. Her role focuses on creating and scheduling content, managing social media platforms, and maintaining a consistent brand voice. Cailin works closely with the marketing team to promote speakers, increase engagement, and ensure campaigns run smoothly across channels including LinkedIn and Instagram, contributing to the agency’s online presence.

Role: Jordan Holmes is an Event Manager at Champions Speakers Agency, progressing rapidly through roles since joining in 2023. She has delivered standout events including the Hollywood Oscars Celebrity Charity Ball and the Farmfoods European Senior Masters in Spain. With a background in customer service, aviation, and sports management at Loughborough, she brings calm organisation and strong client focus. A recent example includes overseeing the 25th Anniversary Celebrity Charity Ball at King Power Stadium!

Role: Isabel Searson is an Events Executive at Champions Speakers Agency, supporting the delivery of high-profile events across the UK and internationally. She plays a key role in planning and coordination, managing logistics, liaising with clients, and ensuring each brief is delivered smoothly. With a strong attention to detail and a calm, organised approach, Isabel helps bring events to life, from celebrity charity balls to large-scale corporate and sporting occasions.

Role: StJohn Krong is a Development and E-Commerce Consultant at Champions Speakers Agency, bringing over 15 years of digital expertise. He specialises in making complex technology practical, helping organisations improve operations and customer experience. Alongside his role, he leads Clarity Growth, where he focuses on simplifying digital transformation. His approach combines technical knowledge with human insight, enabling businesses to adopt the right tools with confidence, clarity, and measurable impact.

Role: Ben Faulkner is Head of Web Development at Champions Speakers Agency, leading digital strategy and performance across the business. He progressed rapidly through developer roles, combining technical expertise with a strong focus on user experience and SEO. Previously at Netready Limited, he improved system performance and team capability. Ben also founded Silver Comet, reflecting his entrepreneurial drive and commitment to innovation in web development.

Role: David Simms brings decades of commercial and media leadership to his role as Non Executive Director at The Champions Speakers Agency. Starting in regional press, he progressed through senior roles including Managing Director and Regional Managing Director across major UK titles. Now UK Group Sales Director at Champions (UK) plc, he helps shape strategy, drive growth, and deliver creative brand solutions that elevate clients and generate measurable business success.

Role: is Head of Keynote Speaker PR at The Champions Speakers Agency, bringing a strong media background to the role. Founder of WTS Media and Magnify PR, he has built two fast growing agencies placing stories in national outlets and shaping high impact campaigns. With experience at Reach plc, he understands how to position speakers, brands and businesses to secure meaningful coverage and audience attention across global media.

Role: Emma Tolhurst is Head of People at Champions Speakers Agency, bringing deep expertise in culture, engagement and organisational change. She has held senior roles at Accenture and Landor & Fitch, leading large-scale transformation programmes. Emma combines strategic insight with hands-on delivery, helping businesses build high-performing teams. Alongside her role at Champions, she advises organisations on people strategy, employee experience and sustainable growth.

Role: Adam Coley is Strategic Advisor for Digital and Growth at Champions Speakers Agency, where he drives performance-led marketing and long-term growth. Progressing from Head of Paid Media to Head of Digital, he has built a strong track record in scaling campaigns and leading teams. Alongside this, he is Managing Director of Rise By Digital, delivering SEO, paid media and web projects for global clients, with a focus on measurable results and sustained commercial impact.

Role: David Russell is a Senior Marketing Consultant at The Champions Speakers Agency, bringing a strong background in digital strategy and web development. With over nine years at Lowaire, including roles as Lead Consultant and Senior Consultant at Rise By Digital, he has delivered effective marketing solutions across sectors. Educated at Loughborough College Group in IT management, David combines technical expertise with commercial insight to support clients in building a strong, results-driven online presence.

Role: Naomi Bell-Crawford is a Marketing Consultant at The Champions Speakers Agency, recognised for her fresh, creative approach to social media and brand storytelling. A Nottingham Trent University graduate, she brings a strong understanding of digital culture, with interests in sustainable fashion, mental health advocacy, and community-led marketing. Naomi focuses on building engaging campaigns that connect with modern audiences, combining insight, creativity, and a sharp eye for emerging trends.

Role: Oliver Poultney is a Marketing Consultant at Champions Speakers Agency, focused on delivering creative, data-led digital campaigns. He works across key areas including SEO, Google Ads, website optimisation, and social media, helping brands strengthen their online presence. Ollie brings a practical, detail-oriented approach to marketing, with a clear focus on results. He is driven to keep developing his skills and contribute to campaigns that create measurable impact.

Role: Ellie Rose is a Digital Growth Strategist at The Champions Speakers Agency, focused on strengthening online presence and driving measurable engagement. She works across content, SEO and campaign strategy, ensuring speakers reach the right audiences. Ellie combines creativity with data-led insight, helping clients maximise visibility and bookings. She has supported targeted campaigns that elevate speaker profiles and improve conversion, contributing directly to business growth and long-term brand positioning.

Role: Sally Ashfield supports the team at Champions Speakers Agency as a dedicated Pilates Instructor, helping staff improve strength, posture, and overall wellbeing. Her sessions bring a calm, focused energy into the workplace, encouraging movement and balance during busy schedules. By integrating Pilates into the working week, Sally helps create a healthier, more productive environment. For example, her guided core sessions are a popular way for the team to reset and refocus.

Role: Lynz Burton is a dedicated massage therapist supporting the team at Champions Speakers Agency, helping staff stay focused, energised and physically well. With a calm, professional approach, she provides tailored treatments that ease tension and reduce stress across busy working days. Her sessions have become a valued part of workplace wellbeing, creating a more positive and productive environment. Lynz plays a key role in ensuring the team feel refreshed, supported and ready to perform at their best.