Maria\Kivimaa London \ Helsinki
Brand Strategist

I turn cultural intelligenceinto commercialadvantage.

Independent brand strategist with 15 years of global work across sport, music, luxury and fashion. Ex-clients include Nike, adidas Originals, Warner Music, Bvlgari and Levi’s. Founder of a menswear research studio and magazine. Retained advisor, or by the project.

Brands hire me when they’ve slipped out of cultural relevance — or when they’re rich in it but can’t turn it into sharp positioning and commercial results.

What I do

Activate & commercialise

Turn a brand’s cultural relevance into growth, new business and a sharper place in people’s lives.

Reframe & reposition

Help artists, designers, teams and cultural icons redefine what they stand for and what they’re worth.

Build the system

Design the models that connect brand, culture and commerce, so cultural advantage is repeatable, not a one-off.

01Selected clients
Nike
adidas
adidas Originals
Warner Music
Levi’s
Asahi
Starbucks
Bvlgari
02Selected work
03Skills
Core practice
Brand strategy Brand positioning Creative strategy Cultural insight & foresight Strategic storytelling Workshops
Key verticals
Fashion, design & luxury Sport & fan culture Music & entertainment Consumer & youth culture
04The DECENT Study
DECENT magazine, issue 03 — Don Letts cover

I run my own research studio.

DECENT is a menswear research studio, occasionally a print magazine. It focusses on long conversations with men (and masc people) about why and how they choose what to wear.

State of Menswear — exploring the gap between culture and commerce, 2026. Report available on request.

05The who
Maria Kivimaa

About me

Finnish-born, London for eighteen years, with a short stint in Amsterdam. Highlight of my career was interviewing Beastie Boys — all three of them.

06Get in touch
London \ Helsinki