Ian Callum CBE, design chief of Jaguar for the past two decades, has announced his latest venture: Callum, a new design and engineering business based in Warwick.
The news follows Callum’s recent retirement from Jaguar, and is the next stage in a storied career that already includes prominent roles at Ford, TWR and Aston Martin.
The Callum business will focus on bespoke and limited edition products, but will not be limited to automotive. It will also encompass the broader design, lifestyle and travel sectors.
Founding members include Callum himself as design director, plus former Jaguar colleagues David Fairbairn as programme director, Adam Donafrancesco as engineering director, and Tom Bird as commercial director.
The full launch team comprises 18 people whose experience includes art, audio, automotive, fashion, lifestyle and motorsport.
“I wanted to get back to the essence of creativity,” said Callum: “the challenge of producing something wonderful and personal.
“To design the alternative has always been my mantra, but always the beautiful alternative and something to enjoy.
“In today’s modern world, collaboration is the catalyst for new ideas, and this is our ethos and inspiration, both within our team and as we look to work with partners in the future.”
The new business, he added, will focus on “journeys to destinations, and all that encompasses”.
Based in a new 20,000 square-foot base in Warwick, the new Callum business is already equipped with high-end design, engineering and manufacturing facilities. The aim is to both design and build projects in-house.
“We love what we do,” said Fairbairn, “and we have the passion, collective experience and know-how to create some very special, diverse products across design, lifestyle and travel.”
News of the first Callum project will be announced in the next few weeks.