Defected has appointed Steven Braines as its new head of events.
Starting this month, Braines will take over from Nick Mizzi who departs the business in May. Braines will report into Defected’s global director of events & talent George Pritchard, driving the strategies for the touring Defected, Glitterbox and D4 D4nce brands.
Braines co-founded the award-winning international label and inclusive events series He.She.They alongside Sophia Kearney, building up to events in more than 20 countries including takeovers with Glastonbury, Coachella, a multi-year residency at Amnesia Ibiza and collaborations with brands such as Apple, Adidas and Ballantines.
For his work in this role, Braines was nominated for LGBTQ Leader of the Year at the UK Diversity Awards as well as making many global executive recognition lists.
Braines will continue to fulfil his commitments at He.She.They alongside his new role at Defected.
Braines is currently a board member of the NTIA, and formerly of the AFEM and MMF. He also adds artist management experience to the head of events role, having guided artists such as Maya Jane Coles, Tale Of Us, Tricky, Nadine Shah, Syreeta and Emily Nash.
“Through all of his professional paths he has remained a vocal advocate for marginalised groups in the dance industry and a champion for the inclusive heritage of nightlife culture, values that align with CEO Wez Saunders’ ethos at Defected,” said a statement.
Steven Braines said: “I haven’t had a boss for many years and have turned down countless job offers but this was one challenge I couldn’t pass up. I have so many friends from partying at Glitterbox and Defected, so I already knew it was a good fit for me.”
Steven brings with him a rare blend of creativity, credibility and community-driven vision that aligns perfectly with our values
Wez Saunders
He added: “Crucially, Wez, George and I all share a vision for the events at Defected – respecting the heritage and the success of where we are now but also looking at how these brands can evolve and reach new levels in an ever changing cultural landscape in both existing and new global markets. I hope to very humbly put my stamp on things too but I’m very fortunate to have inherited an incredible team and I will support them to challenge, question and continue to create the best parties on the planet.
“Furthermore, I’m also here because Wez, who I’ve seen first hand (through his work with Elton John Foundation to Crisis and beyond as well as his hiring record), understands the importance of social responsibility and has embraced my continued work with He.She.They. I am a very lucky boy.”
Defected CEO Wez Saunders said: "I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Steven Braines as the new head of events at Defected. Steven brings with him a rare blend of creativity, credibility and community-driven vision that aligns perfectly with our values. His deep understanding of culture and commitment to inclusivity, combined with years of groundbreaking work in the events space, make him the perfect person to lead our global event strategy into its next chapter."
George Pritchard, global director of events & talent, said: “I'm genuinely excited to welcome Braines to Defected as our new head of events. His attention to detail, creative vision and deep love for the culture make him a perfect fit for where we're heading. As we continue to grow our international footprint, having someone like Braines on board will help us evolve in a way that’s both impactful and considered. I’m looking forward to working closely with him as we push things forward. Big things ahead!”
PHOTO: (L-R) Wez Saunders, Steven Braines, George Pritchard
FOLLOW 
