[ about upgr8 ]
Who We Are
[ Why Work With Us ]
Our Philosophy in Sports Marketing
- OUT OF THE BOX IDEAS
- CUSTOMER CENTRIC APPROACH
- NETWORK
- INTEGRATED SERVICES
- EXPERTISE
[ Who We Are ]
Meet Our Team
Giorgos Panou
[ CEO ]
One of the most successful and respectable basketball agents in Greece, Giorgos is the founder and CEO of UPGR8, cultivating unique and lucrative business opportunities for corporate brands, elite athletes, and strategic partners. Giorgos launched his career as a basketball assistant coach, for the Greek Men’s National Team (Silver Medal, Japan’s World Championship, 2006) as well as in many Greek A1 clubs, to become the Director of Greece & Cyprus for Octagon Europe Basketball in 2010. Since then, he has recruited some of the best young prospects in Greece and internationally, including NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and many other Greek National Team players.
- EMAIL: gpanou@upgr8.gr
- PHONE: +30 694 5753968
Ilias Panou
[ COO ]
With a passion for sports, a creative energy and 10 years of experience in sales & marketing, Ilias is leading the agency’s day-to-day marketing initiatives, overseeing external and internal resources to manage projects from proposal through completion. His responsibilities include content creation, events coordination and production, sponsorship outreach and execution and new business development. He loves the challenge of coming together as a team to reach new heights.
- EMAIL: iliaspanou@upgr8.gr
- PHONE: +30 694 7040992
Aristeidis Christopoulos
[ Business Development Director ]
Aristeidis’ strongest asset is his rapport with senior corporate executives in Greece and internationally and his passion to constantly explore new business opportunities. With more than 15 years of experience in sports marketing strategy, he is responsible for commercial negotiations and networking contacts, recognizing synergies among partners and laying the ground for the team to step in and get our projects to the next level.
- EMAIL: christopoulos@upgr8.gr
- PHONE: +30 698 7780124
Valentina Trikounaki
[ Digital Strategies Director ]
A results-oriented marketing and communication professional with over 10 years of experience, Valentina supports elite and up-and-coming athletes connecting with their fan base and growing fan loyalty. Responsible for developing digital marketing strategies for UPGR8’s clients, she is passionate about expanding the bond of sports brands and sports fans by raising the value of brand sponsorships. Working with authentic people with a common goal is what drives her.
- EMAIL: trikounaki@upgr8.gr
- PHONE: +30 694 9599546
Nikos Varlas
[ Strategic Communications Director ]
Nikos is the co-founder and Publishing Manager of the largest basketball media brand and European portal, Eurohoops.net. Active in journalism since 1998, he has collaborated with major sports media in Greece, such as Filathlos, Protathlitis, Flash.gr. Nikos is among the instigators of the Antetonkounbros brand, responsible for organizing all Antetokounbros events, along with his team. As the Strategic Communications Director of UPGR8, he utilizes his relationship capital and knowledge of the industry to secure diverse business opportunities for all our clients and partners.
- EMAIL: varlas@upgr8.gr
- PHONE: +30 694 4666601
Giorgos Soulas
[ Creative Director ]
With 12 years experience in graphic and web design, spanning both advertising and digital agencies, Giorgos is the Creative Director of UPGR8. In his years as a project manager, creative director and video producer, he has overseen integrated advertising campaigns across social, retail, digital and owned channels as well as driven innovation in design, typography, content and brand voice. A member of the AntetokounBros marketing team since 2016, he is responsive for the brand’s creative and video production. His greatest joy comes from watching dreams come to life through design and creative expression.
- EMAIL: gsoulas@upgr8.gr
- PHONE: +30 697 4860030
