Who We Are
Justin Pascoe - CEO
Justin is a Senior Executive with international experience in Sports. Justin’s experience extends to driving commercial strategies to ensure a competitive advantage and delivering sustainable financial results.
Justin has a proven track record of increasing profile and income with businesses from multi nationals to start ups across several different sectors including Sports, Consumer products, Automotive and industrial. Justin has negotiated contracts at the highest level, inclusive of Government contracts in China, Franchise and Distribution agreements and licensing rights with companies like MLB, NHL, Disney, Marvel, Lucas both domestically and globally. Justin has an MBA with a major in financial management that has enabled him to develop strong operational skills such as project management, Procurement macro and micro planning, performance analytics and customer and competitor insight generation.
Justin has also worked with the AFL and NRL. Globally, Justin has worked extensively in Western and Eastern Europe and six years in North America.
Specialties: Leadership and change management, Contract negotiation, Commercial revenue generation, Reporting to boards, Fiscal management at the highest level, Marketing implementation, Global framework and organisational structure management and development and execution of strategies that create a competitive edge that is sustainable and financially valuable.
Lee Hagipantelis - Managing Director
Lee Hagipantelis, a distinguished figure in the legal arena, has seamlessly integrated his expertise into the dynamic world of sports management. As the Principal of Brydens Lawyers, Lee brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to excellence.
Lee embarked on his journey at Brydens Lawyers in 1988, following his graduation from the prestigious University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Laws degree. Under the mentorship of the esteemed founder, Mr. Ian Bryden, Lee honed his skills and dedicated himself to providing unparalleled legal advice and representation to clients, advocating tirelessly for justice, fair compensation, and the right outcomes.
In 1994, Lee ascended to the role of Partner at Brydens Lawyers, a testament to his exceptional abilities and unwavering dedication. His exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to professionalism saw him assuming the position of Principal in 2012. Under his guidance, Brydens Lawyers has flourished, consistently delivering the highest caliber of legal services to clients across various domains.
Throughout his illustrious career, Lee has been accredited as an Personal Injury Specialist, earning recognition from his peers as a leading authority in personal injury litigation. Lee was also appointed and Arbitrator of the District Court of New South Wales in addition to serving on the Personal Injury Committee of the Law Society, further solidifying his standing as a respected figure within the legal community.
Leveraging his comprehensive understanding of law and his astute business acumen, Lee is dedicated to facilitating the success of athletes and sports organizations alike. His strategic guidance and unwavering advocacy ensure that his clients achieve their goals and navigate the complexities of the sports industry with confidence.
Quotes from customers & stakeholders
“We embarked on the transformational change of our main training facility which Justin and his team worked with us to deliver. The West Tigers Centre of Excellence was quoted as being the ‘best League facility on the planet’. Projects like this do not get delivered by amateurs. I would like to thank Justin for his dedication to the project and for the overall quality and professionalism of how he operated to ensure the delivery of the of the facility which is world class.”
John Basilisco – State Manager (ADCO Construction Company)
“This decision was followed with a broader corporate relationship including sponsorship of the Wests Tigers NRLW team.
Justin demonstrated strong negotiating capabilities and a true partnership mindset throughout this enduring commercial relationship and was the driving force behind the decision for my company to participate and extend this relationship.
I have found Justin to be an inquisitive and agile leader who developed and executed on a number of unique initiatives to help drive deeper engagement with supporters and corporate partners and developed strong, trusted mutually beneficial relationships."
Justin Delaney - CEO (Zurich)
“Sport at the highest level is big business. To operate successfully in this extremely competitive environment requires skill, knowledge, and experience. Lee Hagipantelis has these qualities in abundance. As the head of one of Australia’s leading law firms Brydens Lawyers, Lee has an unparalleled understanding of business operations, as well as negotiating and delivering successful outcomes for his clients. Lee also has a wealth of experience in the operations of sporting organisations at the elite, professional level, as a primary sponsor and as chairman.
Lee is a man of the highest integrity. He is loyal, supportive, and caring. These are rare qualities in the cut and thrust of professional sport and in life. I hold him in the highest regard."
Richard Freedman - Freedman Training Pty Ltd
“As a sports administrator myself, I have been impressed by the high standard of culture and the best practice corporate policies and processes Justin has implemented at the Wests Tigers. This was critical to achieve a “one Club” approach for the merged entity.
He has created financial stability by expanding commercial revenue through non-traditional assets and, to my knowledge, Wests Tigers under Justin, is the first National Rugby League (NRL) club to effectively address risk and compliance.
And on the playing field, the new Wests Tigers coaching team, will be the beneficiary of the football investment Justin has driven into pathways and other NRL programs, including a first women’s team, to levels never seen before at Wests Tigers.
But Justin’s greatest legacy is the Club’s world class Centre of Excellence and Academy for which he secured external funding of over $85 million from the different levels of Government and corporate sector, without requiring financial contribution from the Wests Tigers Club itself.
Justin’s core competencies include the ability to develop commercial strategies and negotiate contracts at the highest level.”
John Coates AC – Former AOC president
“I have known Lee for over 5 years in his capacity as Chair of the West Tigers and Principal of Brydens Lawyers. Lee is a passionate person, with high integrity and great business intellect. He has an indefatigable work ethic, is tenacious and leads from the front. Lee is a person that believes in the importance of investing and supporting local communities, but with the aspiration to create nationally successful businesses and brands.”
Blake Solly - CEO (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
“I have known Lee for over 8 years, when in my role as CEO for Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT I had the pleasure of engaging with him as one of our major sponsors. Lee is an exceptional individual whose passion, commercial acumen and integrity have contributed to his significant professional and personal success. Leading with great tenacity and with a hands-on approach, he inspires and drives momentum at all levels. His dedication, commitment and generosity with community investment speaks volumes about his character and also his vision to impact others.”
David Sexton - Former CEO (Variety The Children’s Charity)
“Western Sydney University is extremely grateful for Lee Hagipantelis’ ongoing support and engagement. Lee’s vision to support the Brydens Lawyers Scholarships for Western’s law students from equity backgrounds since 2017, in addition to providing refugee student scholarships through his Platinum-level sponsorship of flagship events at the University such as the Town and Gown Gala Dinner has enabled our talented students from challenging circumstances to thrive in their studies and has empowered their future success.
The University is also appreciative of the support that Lee provides as landlord of our vertical Liverpool Campus in the heart of Liverpool CBD, and the collaborative way that he works with us to ensure that our world leading technologically enriched campus has enabled access equity and increase in student and community participation. Through Lee’s vision and active engagement, the partnership with the University has enhanced higher education attainment for the south-west region.
The University commends Lee for the partnership, generosity of spirit, and practical advice that shines through in each interaction we have, as we build a legacy together with his philanthropy fully grounded in helping others to succeed.”
Kylie Cooke - Senior Executive Officer
“I have known Lee Hagipantelis for around 9 years, having first met when Lee decided, to commit his business Bryden’s Lawyers, to become the principal sponsor of the Wests Tigers. Lee is no shrinking violet, and it was obvious from our first meeting that Lee is fully committed to doing whatever it takes to succeed in both business and in his passion...that being the sport of Rugby League.
Lee embodies three key synergistic qualities that have empowered him go from success to success throughout his distinguished life thus far...
Firstly, Lee has a high level of intellect that enables him to engage in complex challenges and discussions without getting overwhelmed.
His ability to look at issues from various angles and anticipate likely scenarios is exceptional.
Secondly, Lee is charismatic and highly resourceful. Whether it be in a one-on-one conversation or a presentation to a large audience, he is able to connect with, and charm the listener using a combination of witty content and a magnetic delivery style. He is so engaging, he could even get legendary scrooge, Gary Jack to shout him a beer and a meal.
Finally, Lee is passionate in pursuit of his convictions. He is prepared to put in the hard yards, and you know he’s not going to quit on you when the going gets tough. If he believes in you and what you’re about, then he is the guy you’d want on your team.”
Wayne Pearce - OAM