About Claymaker Media

Nearly 40 Years at the Highest Level of Media.

Shaping brands, building teams and delivering impact across sport and storytelling.

40

Years Experience

UK'S

Top Sports Brands

6

Major Media Groups

Lee Clayton

Founder, Claymaker Media

Introduction

"My career has been defined by operating at the sharp end of Media — where performance, pace, trust and results matter."

Founder Lee Clayton said:
"I've led award-winning teams across newspapers, digital platforms, podcasts, video, social media and radio.

From traditional publishing to modern digital ecosystems, I've shaped some of the UK's most recognised sports brands — combining editorial excellence with commercial growth.

Today, Claymaker Media works directly with organisations, brands and talent who want to move faster, react under pressure and think bigger."

Career & Leadership

A career defined by the sharp end.

The Beginning
First National Newspaper Byline — Age 17
Newspaper delivery boy who started as a messenger, following his father into newspapers. Promoted to the sports desk of The Sun, earning a first national newspaper byline, aged 17.
Previous
Head of talkSPORT
Spearheaded editorial drive and direction as Head of talkSPORT, winning Station of the Year at The ARIAS. Launched the multi-award winning White and Jordan and drove visualisation with SLT team (credit Laurie Palacio) after time in the U.S. taking learnings from Fox Sports and Apple.
Previous
Global Publisher of Sport — Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday & MailOnline
Led teams across traditional print and digital assets, including the launch and growth of TikTok channel. Delivered award-winning output with multiple Newspaper of the Year accolades and Sports Journalism Association individual awards. Two spells at the title, including a 15-year stint as Head of Sport.
Advisory
Consultant Editor at Large — The Athletic / The New York Times
Working to Editor-in-Chief Laura Williamson and her senior team as Consultant Editor-at-Large in build up to the 2026 Men’s World Cup. Lee has worked on every World Cup since 1990.
Industry Impact

Working at the highest level of sports media.

Throughout my career, I've worked at the highest level of sports media — creating standout brands, breaking major stories and building the teams behind them.

This experience now shapes how I support organisations, brands and leaders looking to grow, evolve and perform in competitive environments.

40
Years operating at the highest level of sport and media
100s
Journalists and editors led and developed
6+
Major media groups worked within
17
17
First National Byline The moment that set everything in motion

"Back talent, move quickly and focus on what truly makes an impact — that's how I've worked every day since."

Self-taught.
Real-world.
Results-driven.

My background is self-taught and shaped by real-world experience rather than theory. No journalism school. No formal training programme. Just a relentless drive to find a story, back the right people and make things happen.

At 17, I earned my first national newspaper byline. That early breakthrough shaped how I approach everything: move at pace, trust your instincts and never lose sight of what genuinely matters.

Nearly 40 years later, that same mindset drives every conversation, every strategy and every team I build.

Philosophy

Helping others succeed at the highest level.

Claymaker Media is built around one idea: where experience meets execution — offering leadership, strategy and hands-on support to organisations looking to grow, transform or lead.

Experience Meets Execution
Nearly four decades of hands-on experience at the top of sport and media, turned into actionable strategy and real-world results for your organisation.
People First, always
The best brands are built by exceptional people. Claymaker Media work to identify, develop and retain talent — creating cultures where individuals and teams can truly thrive.
Performance Under Pressure
Deadlines. Breaking news. Commercial targets. Claymaker Media has operated at the sharp end of media and understands what it takes to deliver when it matters most.
Let's Work Together

Ready to build, grow or transform?

If you're looking to build, grow or transform your team in sport, media and beyond — let's talk. Claymaker Media is here to help you move faster, think bigger and deliver real impact.

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