Agency Adds One of Sports Most Marketable Young Female Athletes
McLean, VA / Richmond, VA (January 25, 2006) – Octagon today announced the signing of ladies professional golfer Natalie Gulbis to a full representation agreement. Named the LPGA’s 2005 Most Improved Player by Golf Digest, Gulbis is a blossoming talent on the course. Her golf ability coupled with her marketing appeal makes her one of sports rising young female stars.
"We are thrilled to sign a player and personality of Natalie’s caliber," says Giff Breed, Octagon’s Managing Director of Golf who will manage Gulbis. "She is one of the bright young stars on the LPGA tour. The combination of her terrific golf credentials and charisma make her incredibly attractive to both the general public and sponsors. We believe there are a number of opportunities for her based on her cross promotional marketing appeal."
The 23-year-old native of Las Vegas, NV, Gulbis was a member of the victorious 2005 Solheim Cup team, winning three of her four matches including a singles victory on the final day. Gulbis, who finished 2005 ranked sixth on the ADT overall money list, recorded a career-best year with 12 top-10 finishes highlighted by third place finishes at both the Michelob ULTRA Open and the State Farm Classic. In her rookie year on tour in 2002, Gulbis notched four top-10 finishes en route to runner-up in the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year race. She turned professional in 2001 after a one-year stint at the University of Arizona where she earned first-team All-American honors.
"I am really excited to sign with Octagon, an agency with tremendous success in managing and marketing the careers of some of the world’s top female athletes," said Gulbis.
In recognition of her marketing potential, Gulbis ranked fourth in a 2005 Advertising Age article on the ten next most marketable athlete in professional sports. Gulbis continues to elevate her profile with different marketing initiatives including her own reality TV show on The Golf Channel entitled "The Natalie Gulbis Show", two swimsuit calendars, and her personal website, www.nataliegulbis.com.
Octagon’s Golf division is a full service representation group led by Breed and based in Richmond, VA. In addition to Breed, Dan Baker, Dan Utley and Kim King represent LPGA players including Beth Daniel, Meg Mallon and Helen Alfredsson among others. Other Octagon clients include Bill Cowher, John Elway, Justin Gatlin, Mia Hamm, Davis Love III, Michael Phelps, Steve Yzerman and the Duchess of York among others.
Octagon is the world’s leader in sports and entertainment marketing with global expertise in consulting, athletes & personalities, event management, property representation, marketing solutions, licensing and merchandising, talent procurement and television rights and production. As part of The Interpublic Group (NYSE:IPG), one of the world’s leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services, Octagon employs more than 1,000 people in 60 offices around the world. For further information please visit: www.octagon.com.
Contact:
Kathy Connors, Octagon
703.905.3312
kathy.connors@octagon.com
Drew Johnson, Octagon
703.905.4338
drew.johnson@octagon.com
Scott Horner, Octagon
703-905.3379
scott.horner@octagon.com
