Our Forgers
Michael Oakes
Founder and Director
A sports agent for 15 years managing the careers of hundreds of clients globally. Michael began in Basketball with a diverse client based in the USA, Europe and Australia before taking these skills to the AFL and Cricketing landscapes. A leading player manager, Michael understands what it takes to commercialise brands outside of sport and uses this to setup innovate ways for his clients to succeed. Michael founded Forge Sports Marketing to offer a way for athletes to tell their stories off the park and create long lasting commercial partnerships.
Donna Stelling
Brands and Partnerships
Australian sports executive with experience spanning 25 years in over 50 countries. Donna Stelling has lived in 7 countries and worked on high profile projects in Asia Pacific, Europe, USA, Middle East and Africa. Donna works as an International Advisor in Sport, specializing in Major Events, Athlete Management, Partnerships, Sports Diplomacy and Sport for Social Change,creating partnerships that harness the potential of sport for communities, cities and countries. Former Director of Olympic Marketing, and Marketing Consultant for the Olympic Council of Asia. Donna has worked on campaigns for the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup and FINA World Championships. Donna has also managed world-class athletes including David Beckham.
Jake Martin
Digital Brand Growth Expert
Jake has worked in the sporting landscape for 7 years in differing areas including managing multiple AFL/W stars. Jake has also been heavily involved in social media and digital growth culminating in the birth of Leading Edge Social which specialises in helping athletes build meaningful brands outside their sport and grow their digital audiences. This blend of experience has Jake uniquely qualified to assist our clients off the field in expanding their profile.