Octagon First Call

Intriguing People to look for in 2012

2011 is rapidly coming to a close. This year, there were some big winners in celebrity-brand partnerships like Jane Lynch (LG, Comcast, XBOX, Nook, American Express), Sofia Vergara (K-Mart, Pepsi, Xfinity, Suave) and Jennifer Lopez (Fiat, Kohl’s, Gillette). But, who will be the big winners of 2012? Here are three intriguing people we think brands should consider (after the jump):

• Chef Roble Ali – Bravo’s latest play into the culinary space features Chef Roble as the caterer to the stars. Formerly the head executive chef at Avenue, a gasto-pub in NYC, Roble takes on clients’ needs from all backgrounds. In the sea of cooking competition shows, Chef Roble & Co has a chance to stand out with unique content and perspective as a 26 year old African American chef with A-list clientele. Brands in the culinary space should consider Chef Roble for private entertainment, show integrations or as a traditional spokesperson

• Jenny Slate – The formal SNL cast member burst onto the scene this year with the release of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, Two – a follow up to the hit viral video Marcel with the Shoes On about a shy, shoe-wearing shell, which Slate voices. The videos have a combined 18 million views and have earned Slate a cult-like following. Slate released a Marcel themed children’s book in November. Additionally, she has appeared regularly on the hit HBO show Bored to Death.

• Henry Cavill – The British actor is best known for his role on Showtime’s The Tudors from 2007-2010, but was most recently cast as Superman for 2013’s Man of Steel, following in the footsteps of Christopher Reeve and Dean Cain as Clark Kent. As the promotion of the film takes off in 2012, we expect brands to take advantage of the attention. Additionally, Cavill’s suave looks and British accent make him a solid choice for upscale and ‘classy’ brands (think John Slattery + Cadillac).