I attribute my success to a lot of hard work, a good understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses, and the willingness to accept feedback and constantly learn and grow as a leader. I believe success in anything requires dedication and hard work.
Jack Calhoun
Organizational Leadership & Supervision ’87
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Jack Calhoun

Organizational Leadership & Supervision ’87
Senior Advisor for McKinsey & Company

Jack Calhoun is senior advisor at McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, where he works with clients in the areas of consumer products, apparel, fashion, and luxury.

He previously served as executive vice president of marketing for Banana Republic, a division of Gap Inc., which is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay area. In that role, Jack oversaw all aspects of marketing for the Banana Republic brand in the United States and worldwide. His management responsibilities included advertising, media, relationship marketing, public relations, creative direction, and store design.

Before joining Gap Inc. in March 2003, he was executive vice president of brand management and advertising for Charles Schwab & Co. In addition, he has led advertising teams at Foote, Cone & Belding, Citron Haligman Bedecarre, and Young & Rubicam and held marketing positions at Levi Strauss & Company and Proctor and Gamble.

Recognizing Jack’s contribution to his profession, he was listed among the top 50 marketers by Advertising Age and has lectured at Harvard Business School, U.C. Berkley, and Stanford.

While at Purdue, Jack was president of the Purdue Student Union Board, chairman of Iron Key, chairman of the Varsity Glee Club, member of Omicron Delta Kappa national honor society, and was awarded the G.A. Ross Award as outstanding senior male graduate. “Through my many leadership roles at Purdue I was able to practice and enhance the skills we were talking about in the classroom. It’s amazing the opportunities a diverse university like Purdue offers.”

This was originally written for the Distinguished Technology Alumni Awards in 2005.