Calvin Innes is a leading consultant, creative strategist, and speaker specialising in fandom, gaming, and pop culture. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of creativity, culture, and community, he helps brands understand not just what people buy, but what they genuinely care about.
Calvin is the founder of Innes Consulting and CCO/Co-Founder of The Forge. He previously served as GM and Executive Creative Director of JvM NERD London, where he led senior teams working at the forefront of fandom-led marketing, gaming culture, and digital communities. He has helped shape work for global brands including FIFAe, Dove, MINI, HBO, Paramount, Bandai Namco, Opel, Sony, and Unilever, translating fan insight into culturally resonant creative strategy.
Through his work, Calvin partners with brands, agencies, and organisations to build authentic connections with fan communities. His work spans gaming, esports, anime, sport, kidult culture, collectibles, and music, with a particular focus on gamification, community engagement, partnerships, and cultural strategy.
Alongside client work, Calvin is a recognised thought leader in the space. He is a writer and speaker on fandom, creativity, and culture, with appearances at TEDx, COP, Cannes Lions, Adwards, Popcultr Summit, and industry conferences worldwide. He has served as Jury President at Golden Drum and has judged at Cannes Lions, D&AD New Blood, and MMA Smarties. He is also the author of Fandom Power, a book exploring how fan communities have become one of the most powerful forces in modern marketing.
