We are DEFY. Relationship-driven partners with a proven track record supporting athletes across multiple sports, brand partnerships and key career milestones.
DEFY was created to rethink and redefine how talent management works for modern athletes. Meet the team bringing that vision to life.
Harry is the Co-Founder and CEO of DEFY, where he also leads the Football division as a FIFA Licensed Agent. He began his career at Derby County, progressing from Academy Coach to Head of First-Team Technical Scouting. Working across the UK and Europe, he developed an in-depth understanding of talent identification, player development, recruitment strategy and the inner workings of elite football clubs.
Today, Harry combines that experience with a modern approach to athlete management, working closely with players and their families across contract negotiations to commercial opportunities. Under his leadership, DEFY has grown into a multi-sport agency spanning football, tennis and golf - blending sport, culture and storytelling to help athletes build meaningful careers and lasting personal brands.
Dec is the Co-Founder and COO of DEFY, sitting at the intersection of sport, finance and entertainment. He began his career at Coutts, working with sport and entertainment clients, before moving into venture, private equity and business advisory. His background and broad commercial skillset spans deal-making, strategy and stakeholder management - and remains active in his work at DEFY today.
Dec leads the commercial side of the business - building out the partnerships function and working with brands to rethink what real value looks like in sport. Too many partnerships have gone stale, stuck in the old logo-on-a-shirt model, while the way athletes build influence has completely changed. Dec's approach is about closing that gap - smarter, modern partnerships that work for both sides.
Andrew is a former footballer who's seen it all when it comes to managing a career in sport - and his experience is ideal for developing our talent in all areas of their lives. Andrew's focus is on creating clear lines of communication and meaningful relationships with athletes and their loved ones as part of our family-first mentality.
Katy has worked in elite sport for over nine years, supporting world-class golfers, tennis players and athletes across every aspect of their careers. She works closely with talent, their families and partners to make life off the field as seamless as possible through commercial opportunities, travel and day-to-day support.
A former PGA coach, Rob held senior roles at Trump Turnberry and Quinta do Lago before moving into sports marketing. At Castore, he signed US Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick and managed partnerships with Sir Andy Murray. Now, Rob identifies emerging talent and builds long-term commercial opportunities for DEFY athletes.
Joël leads DEFY’s marketing and partnerships, bringing cultural fluency, creator experience and strategic clarity from years of industry experience. With a background in social strategy and talent-led storytelling, she helps athletes show up confidently, elevate their personal brands and unlock commercial opportunities.
Nicko brings a love for football, golf and tennis to his expertise in marketing and communication. With a background in journalism and an eye for content creation, he works across all things branding at DEFY - from direct athlete marketing to campaign activation for our partners. He’s the engine behind our digital presence!
Lucas spent 7 years in Notts cricket academy before graduating in Sport Business from Loughborough University. At DEFY, he leads scouting operations and player services - identifying talent from U16 to first team level, attending fixtures and working with players on video analysis, performance targets and development plans.
To challenge a tired, transactional industry and give talent new and improved ways to manage their multi-lifecycle careers and drive personal and professional growth.
To give athletes, brands and stakeholders access to a dynamic, diverse team that’s comfortable connecting and collaborating with key players in sport, media and culture.
Drive athletes to improve performance through a winning mentality.
Help athletes grow as individuals through knowledge, learning and development.
Bring athletes into our close-knit team and act as relationship-driven partners.
Deliver a bespoke service that meets the individual needs of every athlete.
