Derek Joins Leading Celebrity Agency Champions Celebrity

Since the late 1990s, Derek has used his knowledge of elite athletics and his experience of overcoming extreme adversity to build a sterling reputation as both a motivational and after dinner speaker and, such are the waves he has created on the circuit, has come to the attention of a number of celebrity management agencies.

Understanding the many ways in which an agency can benefit a sporting personality and speaker of his nature, Derek thoroughly examined his options and, taking all factors into consideration, decided that Champions Celebrity are best positioned to serve his interests and career aspirations. Therefore in February 2015 he signed an exclusive three year management agreement with the Leicestershire agency and has already started working with them on a number of projects.

Champions Celebrity form one arm of a multiple award winning celebrity and branding agency, Champions (UK) plc, that offers holistic and innovative solutions for its partner companies and growing roster of talent from the worlds of sport and entertainment. His new stablemates include Coronation Street legend, William Roache MBE, cricketing royalty, Sir Garfield Sobers, Ryder Cup stalwart, Tony Jacklin CBE, former England pace bowler, Matthew Hoggard MBE, and England’s most capped footballer, Peter Shilton OBE, former boxing promoter, Kellie Maloney, Masterchef judge, Gregg Wallace, and the first ever winner of Big Brother, Craig Phillips, among many others.

Champions have extensive contacts in the media and a wonderful track record of securing their clients high profile appearances and brand ambassadorial opportunities, not to mention the myriad speaking engagements they book for their clients through Champions Speakers, their in-house after dinner speaker agency.

Derek is delighted at the prospect of working alongside this industry leading agency, saying “I see our agreement as extremely positive as I’ve seen the great work Champions have done on behalf of a number of other celebrities. I’ve known their CEO, John Hayes, for a few years now and I like the way he and his team operate. They’ve shown a lot of faith in me and I hope I can repay the things they’ve done for me so far – really exciting times!”

Matt Hayes, Managing Director of Champions (UK) plc, welcomed Derek by saying “It is an honour for Derek to have chosen Champions to represent him and, as a former World Champion, he makes an excellent addition to our team. He is very much in demand as a pundit and as a motivational speaker and our team are exploring a number of fantastic opportunities on his behalf. We look forward to building a great long-term relationship with him.”

To find out more about Derek and how he can help your brand or organisation, call Benoit Lawrence at Champions Celebrity on 08453 31 30 31 or email blawrence@championsukplc.com.