In June
1995, Ashley Woolfe joined The James Grant Media Group as Head of Sports, where he was able to combine his talents of Sales
& Marketing along with key personnel skills to create a new Sports Division for the highly successful Entertainment Agency
founded by the former TV & Radio presenter, Peter Powell.
Woolfe’s remit was to create a division which would
seamlessly ‘sit alongside’ the Entertainment Division who managed many successful stars of the day, including
Anthea Turner, Philip Schofield, Zoe Ball and a number of Radio Presenters.
Targeting
the newly established sport of Professional Rugby Union, Woolfe went about identifying key players. Phil De Glanvile (Captain
of Bath) and Lawrence Dallaglio (Captain of Wasps) came on board. De Glanville was to become England Captain the following
season, and Dallaglio made an impact on making his debut for England that autumn. The role included contract negotiation,
sponsorship agreements and implementation, and all levels of media work.
In
January 1998, Woolfe left James Grant Media and formed In Touch Management Ltd. More players were added to the roster, including
Jason Leonard. Woolfe managed five
of the successful World Cup winning squad of 2003, and also worked with Clive Woodward, culminating in his ‘Winning’
book with Hodder & Stoughton.
He ran hospitality events in conjunction with Jayne Woodward for major blue chip
companies for a two year period.
In 2003 Woolfe decided to become a licensed FIFA agent after an approach from Gareth
Southgate to look after his commercial work. After successfully obtaining his licence Woolfe oversaw the careers of Southgate
and Dean Whitehead (former Sunderland Captain, now at Stoke City) along with other less well known players. He is also formed Just
Talented along with Stuart Higgins (former Editor of The Sun) to represent television personalities. Kirsty Gallacher joined
Just Talented, and he went on to sign Katie Price (aka Jordan) after her stint in ‘the jungle’.
Around this time, Woolfe started to devote some time to his family property business,
building a portfolio.
Some
Key Achievements – 10 year management
career of Lawrence Dallaglio – including successful re-brand after ‘News of the World’ sting.
Over 10 years management of Jason Leonard during his playing career and now post-playing.
At the time, highest paid contract for a non-football book contract in UK for Sir
Clive Woodward’s ‘Winning’.
Successful
implementation & concept for ‘Woody & Nord’ (Gareth Southgate’s book) 2004, which
became Sports Book of the Year.
Signed Katie Price (aka Jordan) to Just Talented after ‘I’m A Celebrity…’
before she moved to her then husband’s agency.
References available
