Diversity-focused executive search firm founded by Amazon, Red Ventures veteran selects luquire for branding, PR efforts
Nexus Search Partners, an executive search firm with a mission to expand diverse talent in corporate America, has selected luquire to oversee development of a new brand and communications strategy while providing ongoing PR support.
Charlotte-based Nexus is the latest in a series of agency new business wins, including Earth Fare, Elon University, Experience Columbus, Nucor and Whistle Express Car Wash.
Nexus was founded by Thaddeus Jones, former Red Ventures executive vice president and chief talent officer and head of global diversity at Amazon, at the beginning of 2023, filling a void in diverse leadership at executive search practices across the country. Jones felt a search firm led by a person of color could provide new perspectives and help placements for underrepresented talent at the executive level. He and his team have incorporated executive coaching, thought leadership and advisory services into their model to create more holistic and dynamic leaders even after they are placed in their new roles.
“Selecting luquire to be our partner on this journey was an easy choice, as the agency’s clear values-driven approach to business mirrors Nexus’ own mission,” said Jones, Nexus’ founder and managing partner. “We are very intentional in the way that we cultivate and promote talent and feel strongly that our partnership with luquire both reflects Nexus’ intentionality and will provide us with opportunities for added visibility that will ultimately allow us to place and mentor more leading candidates.”
In just under a year, Nexus has secured contracts and partnerships with more than a dozen corporations and successfully completed six executive-level placements, including for the nationally renowned RAND Corporation and global power tool manufacturer Positec.
And while the brand has resonated nationally, its impact in its own backyard cannot be overlooked. Just this week, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte announced its first-ever female president and CEO in the organization’s 150-year history after a search process led by Jones and the Nexus team. Nexus also recently placed a new executive at storied local company Charlotte Pipe and Foundry – the only member of the leadership team to be appointed from outside the organization.
“One of our company core values is the phrase ‘good enough isn’t,’ and we were especially taken with Thadd’s description of the ‘Nexus Way,’ a transparent, high-touch approach to not only placing candidates but ensuring their long-term success through mentoring, coaching and thought leadership,” said luquire CEO Brooks Luquire. “That commitment is the antithesis of ‘checking a box’ and instead going all in, and we could not be more excited to go all in with them.”
So far, luquire has secured a host of placements for the brand, with highlights including HRO Today, Hunt Scanlon Media , PHCP Pros, the Charlotte Business Journal and this nearly five-minute clip from WBTV’s “On Your Side Tonight,” highlighting the importance of boosting workplace diversity.
