An experienced executive in consumer and retail businesses, Jack Calhoun has a proven track record of
producing top-tier results through revenue growth, operational efficiency, and strong financial management.
Having led Banana Republic from bricks-and-mortar to an integrated digital business, Jack today helps CEOs and
boards in multiple industries refine and implement their digital and product strategies as a Senior Advisor at
McKinsey & Company, based in San Francisco. He has led brands domestically and internationally; advised
businesses in many sectors and countries; and served on boards of corporations and significant not-for-profit
organizations, actively providing strategic as well as operational, organizational, and creative guidance to
executive teams.
At McKinsey, Jack has advised the CEO and executive team of a leading Brazilian retailer on turn-around
strategies, including merchandising, digital strategies, inventory management systems, store operations, and
organizational design. He has conducted due diligence for a fast growing online apparel pure player focused on
digital capabilities. He led the real estate review for a global multi-brand apparel company with 3,000+ stores.
He worked with the CEO of a US-based multi-brand apparel and accessories company on brand portfolio,
including acquisition and divestiture strategies. And he has advised a multi-brand luxury fragrance company on
brand management and international marketing systems.
Jack served on the board of Kimpton Hotels ($1.2B revenue) from 2013-15 and managed the negotiations leading
to its sale to Intercontinental (NYSE: IHG). While serving on the board of Mitchell Gold Furniture ($200M
revenue) from 2005-12, Jack drove its transformation from a wholesale model to company-owned stores. Jack
currently serves as Vice Chair of the SF Fine Arts Museums (the country’s third largest) and Executive Board
member of the SF Opera (the world’s second largest), where he has focused on brand and growth and played a
key role in the search for new CEOs of both institutions. He is also the Chair of the Board of Lack of Color an
Australian accessories company.
Jack spent 12 years at Banana Republic, a division of Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), serving as Global President for 8
years. In this capacity, he oversaw all aspects of running a $3B global business, including all brand, product and
employee experiences for over 700 stores and nearly 22,000 employees in 25 countries. He led the company
to historically high profitability and top of industry operating margin (in excess of 20%) through top-tier gross
margin and leveraged expenses. Early in his tenure, Jack initiated downsizing and simplification of the corporate
infrastructure to improve profitability and decision-making. Jack merged separate online and international units
into an integrated business. He also leveraged local brand connections to partner closely with Instagram,
Facebook, and Twitter to drive digital strategies.
Jack expanded the Banana Republic business by initiating new categories for the brand through licensing and
other partnerships in eyewear, personal care, and shoes, enhancing revenue, profitability, and distribution. Jack
pioneered multiple, complex partnerships, including the first fashion brand integration with the reality TV show
Project Runway and marketing and product collaboration with the Golden Globe-winning Mad Men TV series.
Prior to Gap Inc., Jack was EVP Brand Management and Advertising at Charles Schwab & Co. His early career
was spent leading teams at Foote, Cone & Belding and Young & Rubicam, where he served as General Manager
of the San Francisco office. He also held marketing positions at Levi Strauss & Company and The Procter &
Gamble Company, where he started his career in brand management.
Jack attended Indiana University School of Music and holds a B.S. from Purdue University, an M.B.A. from
Harvard Business School, and Honorary Doctorate from Purdue University.
