Florian Clivaz, at 31, isn’t your typical sports agent. While he represents some of track and field’s biggest stars – Mujinga Kambundji, Gianmarco Tamberi, and Neeraj Chopra among them – his approach stems from a fundamental drive to solve problems, a trait he discovered not on the track or in a courtroom, but while grappling with math problems as a schoolboy.
The Valais native’s path to becoming a co-founder of EP Management, a leading athlete representation firm, is anything but linear. It’s a story of parallel pursuits: a youthful foray into football and athletics, rigorous legal studies at the Université de Fribourg, and now doctoral research at the University of Lausanne. But underpinning it all, according to Clivaz himself, is a consistent need to untangle complexities and identify solutions. “In fact, I consider I am fundamentally someone who likes to solve problems,” he recently told a Swiss publication.
From the Track to the Courtroom
Clivaz’s own athletic background provides a unique perspective in the world of sports management. He competed at an international level in sprinting, giving him firsthand experience of the pressures and demands faced by athletes. This experience, combined with his legal training, allows him to navigate the often-complex world of contracts, endorsements, and image rights with a nuanced understanding. He is, in fact, a licensed athlete representative by World Athletics, as recognized by Switzerland’s innovation facilitator, Open-i.
His legal studies, currently ongoing with a doctoral thesis focusing on the protection of personal rights, further inform his work. The thesis, supervised by Prof. Philippe Gilliéron, demonstrates a commitment to understanding the legal frameworks that govern the lives of athletes, beyond simply negotiating deals.
EP Management: A Focus on Problem-Solving for Athletes
EP Management, co-founded by Clivaz in 2018, has quickly established itself as a prominent agency, representing a diverse roster of elite athletes. The firm’s success, according to those who know him, isn’t simply about securing lucrative contracts. It’s about anticipating challenges, protecting athletes’ interests, and providing holistic support. The agency’s work with Mujinga and Ditaji Kambundji, Swiss sprinters who have achieved international success, exemplifies this approach.
Clivaz’s ability to identify and address the unique needs of each athlete is a key differentiator. He doesn’t view his clients as simply commodities to be marketed, but as individuals with complex lives and careers that require careful management and strategic planning. His LinkedIn profile highlights his dedication to building long-term relationships with his clients.
A Young Entrepreneur’s Rise
Clivaz’s entrepreneurial spirit was recognized early on. In May 2025, Bilan magazine featured him as one of Switzerland’s promising entrepreneurs under 40. The article highlighted his ability to balance multiple commitments – law, athletics, and business – while maintaining a clear vision for the future.
This ability to juggle diverse interests speaks to a broader philosophy. For Clivaz, the different facets of his life aren’t compartmentalized; they inform and enrich one another. His experience as an athlete informs his legal work, his legal training enhances his business acumen, and his inherent problem-solving skills drive everything he does.
Looking Ahead
As Florian Clivaz continues his doctoral research and guides EP Management’s growing roster of athletes, his focus remains consistent: identifying challenges and crafting solutions. The upcoming track and field season will undoubtedly present new opportunities and obstacles for his clients, and Clivaz will be at the forefront, leveraging his unique blend of legal expertise, athletic insight, and entrepreneurial drive to navigate the complexities of the modern sports landscape. The next major event for many of his athletes will be the European Athletics Championships in Rome, scheduled for June 2026, where Clivaz and EP Management will be focused on supporting their athletes’ performance and protecting their interests.
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