Meet The Team

Firmly at the helm of the Champions brand, John Hayes has been the CEO since 2003. For well over a decade, he has grown the business to the monolith of entertainment and events that it is today. John is also credited for the success of Champions' sibling companies, including The Motivational Speakers Agency and Champions Music and Entertainment, a testament to his outstanding influence as a business leader. John also has a passion for sporting, political and entertainment memorabilia, which are dotted around each of our offices. He has even previously sponsored Johnny Herbert's Formula 1 car!

In the early years, John and his son, Matthew, worked from their home, before commissioning purpose-built premises for their team to grow. Fast forward to 2010, John and his team decided to rebrand to Champions: The Speakers Agency, in response to the business' explosion in international interest from different sectors. In 2019, John opened the Digital and Media Centre, followed by our first office in Dubai.

John is an avid fundraiser, and prides himself on his close connection with a range of great causes. Most notably, he has raised over £2 million for the children's charity, Rainbows Children's Hospice, alongside the Champions team. From 2003, all the way to present day, Champions have been honoured with several accolades, including; the 2012 The Sunday Times' FastTrack100, 2012 The Telegraph 1000 Britain's Brightest Businesses and the 2014 Santander Breakthrough50 Award to name a few.

Matthew Hayes is Co-founder and Managing Director of Champions, a leading growth partner in the brand and digital communications space. The business works with clients at the consultative level to create and implement strategy-led solutions. His team, comprised of specialists in six key disciplines, delivers 360° multichannel campaigns with high frequency messaging to educate and engage target demographics, empowering them to make more informed buying decisions.

His award-winning insights have secured a wealth of high-profile clients, including Uniphar Group, Farmfoods, Anglian Water and TATA Communications to name but a few. A Business Administration and Management graduate of Bristol Business School, Matthew was awarded the 2014 haysmacintyre Top Gun at The Young Guns Awards and was a 2016 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards finalist. He has also earned his business an array of prestigious accolades in recent years, such as the Sunday Times Fast Track 100, Santander Breakthrough 50, London Stock Exchange 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain and Insider Growth 100, to name but a few.

Aside from his role at Champions, Matthew can sometimes be found performing his go-to karaoke song - Angels by Robbie Williams. He is also the self-proclaimed dance champion at, well, Champions… something his team has the rare privilege of witnessing at staff parties. Whether he is dominating the digital industry or the dance floor, Matthew's passion, dedication and commitment to his team is clear to see. Matthew writes extensively about brand strategy, marketing theory, digital and traditional communications and the benefits of long-term, consultative partnership.

Jack Hayes was appointed Director of the Champions Speakers agency in 2012 becoming one of the youngest Directors in the UK. A year later, Jack became a founding member of the European Association of Speakers Bureaux (EASB) collaborating with speaker agencies to create a code of ethics and regulations for the industry. 

Balancing his time between attracting the world's top speaking talent and leading collaborations with global brands, Jack has nurtured relationships with media publications, blue-chip companies, institutions and governments. Having signed some of the most sought-after speakers on the international stage, Jack has overseen countless projects with the likes of HSBC, LadBible, the NHS, The Economic Times' Business Summit, ITV and British Airways.

Jack has led Champions Speakers to unprecedented growth. Having taken the bureau into the digital age he has cultivated a brand-wide commitment to innovation, all the while staying true to the family values upon which Champions has been built; trust, transparency and care. Outside of work, Jack can be found still working! And occasionally attempting to breakdance.

Louisa Hayes is the Project Manager and Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Champions. Since 2010, she has been an integral part of developing the brand, credited for her close role supporting John Hayes, her Father and Champions' CEO. Louisa also runs the auctions at our charity events, revolutionising the potential for raising money through silent and live auctions, as well as with digital tablets. She remains at the forefront of the auctioneering industry.

Having collected a wealth of prizes from the worlds of sport, entertainment, cinema and music, Louisa's auctions are legendary. Hundreds of high-profile guests come from miles around, to be in with a chance of winning an experience day, holiday or memorabilia, whilst also supporting good causes. Responsible for purchasing the prizes, Louisa has nurtured a keen eye for what the people want, and what will raise the most money. Additional roles include designing the brochure, processing payments, purchasing goods and auditing the stock available, as well as overseeing the actual event.

Louisa also works with celebrities at auctions, collaborating with stars of the sporting, political, comedy, entertainment and cinematic industries for charity events worldwide. She ensures that her special guests receive the best treatment, while guaranteeing the success of her auction. Louisa has perfected the art of building exposure through celebrity additions at charity fundraisers, encouraging attendees to reach into their pockets. Prior to generating attention for good causes, she played indoor cricket for England's female team!

Roxanna Hayes is an integral part of the Champions family team, having worked closely with the Managing Directors since 2012. Starting as a Project Coordinator, she rose through the ranks to a Project Manager and finally Operations Director, a role that Roxanna has held since 2015. Though Roxanna is a self-professed cake baking disaster, she is a bright, welcoming figure at every company event, including charity cake sales and parties.

As our Operations Director, Roxanna is responsible for monitoring the progress of the company, witnessing first-hand Champions' unprecedented growth. She oversees all of the brand's projects, guaranteeing that tasks are completed on time, on budget and to the highest quality possible. From speaking engagements to brand relations, our efficiency and success is credited to Roxanna.

Additional roles include managing the business' employee recruitment process and human resources, ensuring the talent and wellbeing of the team. A vital member of the family-led team, she is one of the masterminds behind Champions' all-encompassing ideology. Since becoming the Operations Director, Roxanna has established a thriving workplace culture, streamlining how the company operates daily. In her spare time, she follows in her family's sporting footsteps, having played indoor cricket for England's Under-19 team - Roxanna even took part in the 2009 Australia Indoor Cricket World Cup.

Since 2019, Claire Murphy has been our talented Office Manager and Personal Assistant to John Hayes. With Claire's help, we have overcome potential disasters - including our premises flooding on the day of our Digital Centre office opening party! Claire's quick-thinking and dedication ensures that Champions' operations run smoothly, while her organisation keeps the office supply cupboard constantly topped-up. Quick on her feet, her efficiency can be credited to her extensive career as a former dancer.

Following a Diploma in Musical Theatre, Dance and Drama from the Leicester College of Performing Arts, Claire joined The Show Team. As their Casting and Entertainment Executive, she was responsible for the casting of multiple European resorts. In 2014, she founded The Celtic Experience as their Choreographer and Producer, and performed her first show in just three months of the group's establishment.

Remaining in the entertainment industry, she was later an Agency Manager for Boogie Management before moving to Champions. In her previous role, Claire managed portfolios for a wealth of dancers, actors and musical theatre performers. Such an experience honed Claire's management skills, making her perfect for the role of Office Manager at Champions. Whether she is performing at The Tower Ballroom in Blackpool or assisting the operations of the office, Claire embodies professionalism, talent and efficiency.

Mark has worked closely with some of the world’s most prestigious brands, including F1, Deloitte, American Express, McDonalds, HSBC and Samsung since joining us in 2017. With a degree in Business Management and Sports Science from the University of Worcester, he has brought vast experience to his role as a Senior Keynote Speaker Executive at Champions Speakers. 

Working with some of the biggest names in media and sport, from Tyson Fury to Sir Bradley Wiggins, as well as the likes of Ruud Gullit and Gabriel Batistuta for the Football Achievers Awards in China Mark has formed relationships with countless household names internationally. Sport isn't the only field where Mark excels. He has also arranged events with the likes of Oscar Salazar, Jonas Kjellberg and Ken Segall.

When he's not booking in top-class speaker talent, Mark enjoys winding up fellow executive, Matthew Holmes. Outside of the workplace, he has played high level Rugby and Cricket and is a master baker having won the ‘Cake Club of the Year Award’.

One of the newest members of the team, Chris Tompkins joined Champions Speakers as an After Dinner Speakers Sales Executive in October 2019. Chris worked as a Sales and Service Representative at James Boylan Safety Ltd and an Account Manager at Flogas Britain prior to joining us. 

Since he's been at Champions, Chris has booked speakers for clients including GoCardless, the Ministry of Defence, the NHS and Boots. He has also worked with speakers that include Jamil Qureshi and Jason Fox.

Outside of work, Chris coaches his son's under 8's football team or admits, he tries to. He also enjoys golf, football and spending time with his wife and children. In the workplace, Chris has a track record of outperforming targets and has previously been called a 'robot' owing to his work ethic. Don't make a mess in front of Chris though - he likes everything shipshape.

Joining the Champions family in late 2019, Lauren has increased her skill set as an SEO Apprentice. Lauren has put her knowledge into practise to produce content for a multitude of Champions websites, blogs and social media posts. Achieving a distinction in her Digital Marketing Level 3 Apprenticeship, Lauren is now an SEO Executive who is continually developing her knowledge and skillset.

Working on an array of Champions websites, Lauren strives to ensure that the content is of the highest quality and standard, whilst also reflecting the tone and persona of the brand.  In her spare time, you can usually find Lauren in the shops adding to her ever-expanding shoe and handbag collection – something which she admits herself is getting a little out of control! 

Having completed a Masters degree in Creative Writing, Megan joined Champions Speakers in 2019. She is found regularly contributing to the company blog where she discusses everything from the latest news to self-improvement, as well as contributing to increasing the profiles of our speakers. 

Outside of work, Megan loves spending time with her family, friends and her dog but has a volatile relationship with her alarm clock. She loves writing science fiction and collects house plants at an "embarrassing rate" - you can actually find Megan's workspace by simply following the trail of succulents.

Since joining the Champions Music & Entertainment team in 2021, Joseph Burton has established himself as our all-around music expert, thanks to his eclectic taste. Joe regularly supplies his expertise on musical acts and entertainers for clients, having studied Theatre Arts at Nottingham Trent University.  

For several years, Joe travelled the world as a Production Manager on cruise ships. The experience sharpened his organisational skills and spurred Joe’s passion for entertainment. Today, such skills benefit his clients, as Joe expertly coordinates talent of all genres and forms for their events. 

When Joe is not connecting globally renowned acts for largescale and intimate events, he plays the guitar. Regularly jamming with his fellow musicians, he lives, eats and breathes music; Joe is committed to his craft. Discover a selection of Joe’s articles below, which showcase his expertise. 

What's your role at Champions?

I oversee the Accounts department at Champions. This is split between Champions Accounts and Celebrity Client Accounts.

Can you tell us a fun work fact?

I enjoy working in a lively always changing Company, and the variety this gives my role.

Can you tell us a fun non-work fact?

I enjoy going on Holiday to Zante where I would love to buy a house in the future.

Amelia Neate is the Senior Manager of Influencer Matchmaker, our premium influencer and brand service. She works with content creators and advertisers alike to connect the best social media stars with brands, growing their reach through the influencers' pre-established audience. Amelia has worked in promotion and events throughout her career, previously managing the media accounts of brands like Nike. When she isn't managing social media relations, she specialises in Celebrity Management, a role which has led her to manage the likes of Derek Redmond, Gail Emms and Neil Back.

Following a BA in Sports Business Management from Leeds Metropolitan University, Amelia started working as a School Sports Department Assistant at Godstowe School. This allowed her to put her love of lacrosse into practice, as a development coach. Other notable roles in Amelia's early career include promotion with the popular sporting retail brand, Nike, and event management with the English Lacrosse Association and Leeds Rhino.

In 2013, Amelia joined the Champions team, kickstarting her venture into celebrity management. As a Celebrity Executive, Amelia has worked with talent across all different industries. For several years, she has expanded these celebrities' potential through marketable profiles and network opportunities. She enjoys a similar role with Influencer Matchmaker, forming thriving brand partnerships with businesses and social media influencers alike. No stranger to the digital landscape, Amelia's expertise has set several brands on an upward trajectory.