Calmer Co appoints ‘The Beverage Guru’ as chairman to oversee US expansion

• The Calmer Co International appoints new chairman as it prepares for US market expansion
• Known as ‘The Beverage Guru’, James S. Tonkin has been appointed chairman
• John Homewood steps down as chair, leaving company in strongest position to date

Special Report: Natural wellness and beverage company The Calmer Co International has made a leadership transition as it prepares for the next stage of expansion, including into the US beverage and functional wellness sectors. 

John Homewood has stepped down as chairman, marking the first anniversary of his appointment, having guided the company during a pivotal period in its turnaround.

The Calmer Co International (ASX: CCO) said under Homewood’s stewardship, the company had strengthened its corporate foundations, restructured operations and emerged in its strongest position to date with the right management and board to progress toward breakeven and sustainable growth.

Effective today James S. Tonkin – known as ‘The Beverage Guru’ within the functional and nutraceutical segment – has been appointed chairman.

Tonkin brings more than 48 years of experience in the food and beverage industry and internationally, recognised for his work in brand marketing, functional beverage innovation and go-to-market execution.

He has been closely associated with the company since its inception, working with founder and CEO Zane Yoshida.

Tonkin and Loretta Zapp, CEO of Applied Food Sciences, were both board members before the company’s IPO in 2018.

Since founding his consultancy in 1986, Tonkin has spent decades advising and developing strategies for global clients including Essentia Water, Zico Coconut Water, Anheuser-Busch, POKKA Corporation Japan, Arnold Palmer Tea and Fiji Natural Artesian Water.

Earlier in his career, he held senior executive roles in the US, including vice president and general manager of a 7-Up bottling company in California, where he managed iconic brands such as 7-Up, A&W Root Beer, Crush and Clearly Canadian.

He has been a regular presenter at major global conferences, including the Australian Beverage Summit and the Global Bottled Water Congress in Mexico City, as well as numerous SupplySide and Nutracon events in the US

Timing aligns with US expansion momentum

The leadership change comes at a strategically important moment for CCO, which is leveraging a global opportunity in kava and other natural products that replace alcohol and support relaxation and sleep.

CCO said recent industry research indicated that more than 10.7% of US adults have consumed kava in the past year, highlighting a significant and expanding opportunity for its products in North America.

Following its successful participation at SupplySide Global 2025 in Las Vegas, CCO has continued to strengthen its relationships with major US distributors and wellness retailers, expanding its high-potency kava ingredients and wholesale product lines.

‘Proud of the progress’

Reflecting on his tenure, Homewood said it had been a privilege to lead the board during an important stage in the company’s development.

“I’m proud of the progress the company has made toward a more focused and sustainable growth platform,” he said.

He said the management team led by Yoshida, together with the board, had positioned the business for long-term success.

“I am confident that James Tonkin is the right person at the right time to lead the board as
the company enters its next phase of expansion,” he said.

“His deep experience in the US beverage and functional wellness sectors, combined with his longstanding relationship with The Calmer Co., makes him uniquely suited to guide the company through its next stage of growth.

“I remain a strong supporter and shareholder and look forward to seeing the Company’s continued success, particularly in the United States market.”

US market presents ‘extraordinary opportunity’

Tonkin said after retiring in 2019, he now had the benefit of fully concentrating on CCO’s growth,

“I want to acknowledge John Homewood for his leadership and dedication during a pivotal period in the company’s turnaround,” he said.

“He has helped lay a strong foundation for the next chapter of growth. It is an honour to follow him as chairman and to lead the board of directors forward to new and exciting heights.

“The US market presented an extraordinary opportunity, and our team is well-positioned to expand its presence as awareness and demand for noble kava continue to grow.”

Tonkin holds 12,961,571 fully paid ordinary shares in CCO and will be paid an annual director’s fee of $50,000, which was same as Homewood.

This article was developed in collaboration with The Calmer Co International, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.