Calvin John launches Calvinysm, stepping out of the boardroom

MUMBAI: After more than two decades of building some of India’s most recognisable consumer brands, marketing heavyweight Calvin John has struck out on his own. He has announced the launch of Calvinysm, a founder-led strategic brand growth and marketing advisory aimed at ambitious businesses looking for sharper thinking and faster execution.

John brings over 25 years of hands-on experience to the table. His career spans market leaders such as Bisleri, Titan, Tanishq, Surf, Rin and McDowell’s No.1, along with newer, category-shaping brands including Mia by Tanishq, CaratLane and Glance. Calvinysm marks his move from corporate leadership to independent advisory, without losing his deep, inside-out view of how businesses grow.

“For years, founders and CMOs have reached out for perspective, often outside formal structures,” said John. “Calvinysm is a natural extension of catalysing growth for ambitious brands.”

Unlike traditional consultancies, Calvinysm positions itself as a close, in-the-room partner. The advisory will work directly with founders and leadership teams on growth strategy, marketing transformation, digital storytelling and brand architecture, focusing on clarity of thought and speed of action.

John’s professional journey has taken him across India, North America, Japan, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, giving the new venture a global lens on consumer behaviour and business transformation.

“After two and a half decades of building brands from zero to scale, it is clear that businesses need clearer choices and the ability to execute quickly,” John said. “Calvinysm exists to help brands grow with conviction, without the delays and dilution of heavy structures.”

Calvinysm will partner with growth-stage companies, founder-led enterprises and legacy brands seeking reinvention. Operating independently, it will collaborate with leading execution firms to translate strategy into sustained, meaningful growth.