As a veteran of the full breadth of the Human Resource profession, Jim’s hands on approach and personal style focuses on integrating the value of the individual with the business objectives of the enterprise. He is an expert in the design and delivery of performance management and development systems, employee relations training, ER compliance matters, and the alignment of the human resource practice with business goals. His private and group coaching sessions focus not only on the value of the individual, but the motivation and skills required to break through the stumbling blocks to personal and business success. Jim has conducted trainings in the full complement of employee relations, alignment of performance management with corporate goals, and the integration of divergent views into a cohesive business strategy. Whether as a Chief Spokesman in over 100 negotiations domestically and internationally, advisor to Executive Committees, or lead in the integration of multi-national joint ventures, he has the expertise and focus to recognize the issues quickly and bring practical solutions to bear in a short period of time.

Jim’s senior Human Resource, business building, coaching, and management development experience spans over twenty years in assignments for major Fortune 100 Companies, entrepreneurial start-ups, joint ventures, and private consulting assignments. His corporate assignments at Director and Vice Presidential HR levels were at Diageo, Seagram, Raytheon, and The Whitney Group where, as a labor relations specialist and HR generalist in domestic and international roles, he was responsible for the design and delivery of world class human resource practices for business and employee personal growth. As a private consultant, he has been called upon to bring considerable experience in talent acquisition, process upgrade, employee development, and executive coaching to positioning businesses and individuals for growth.

Jim is an experienced human resource executive and employee relations professional. He has negotiated over 100 agreements with major unions in the US, represented the US at the ILO in Geneva on behalf of the Department of Labor, and directed negotiations for a 15 nation Works Council in the EU. His associations have included the US Council of International Business, SHRM, Council on Labor Law Equality, and the International Personnel Association. Having traveled extensively, he was responsible for the employee relations practice for his companies and the training of location staff.

International Experience

Jim was the architect and Chief Negotiator in European Works Council negotiations involving 15 EU nations, United States representative to sector meetings at the ILO in Geneva, HR lead to business start-ups in India and Mexico and has had global responsibility for industrial/employee relations practice and integration of human resource policies. He has traveled extensively and participated in the cultural assimilation of overseas acquisitions in various industries. “The opportunity to work across many cultures, manage the myriad of issues that entails, and bring a cohesive strategy to the businesses has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”

Business Affiliations

Jim has been associated with the US Council for International Business, the International Personnel Association, The Society for Human Resource Management, and The Council for Labor Law Equality. He has served on the Board of the National Model United Nations at his alma mater and as a certified Mediator in the State of Florida

2005: The Midwest ISO: Executive Director, Human Resources

2004: Whitney Education Group: Vice President, Human Resources

1998-2003: Raytheon: Director, Human Resources, Florida Operations; Director, Labor Relations, Command, Control Sector; Director, Human Resources, Joint Venture with French defense company

1998: Consultant, Human Resources (private company)

1990-1997: Joseph E. Seagram and Sons: Vice President, Industrial Relations Worldwide

1978-1990: Grand Metropolitan (Diageo): Vice President, Compensation and Benefits; Director, Human Resource Operations

Education

Mr. Nichols received his Bachelors degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations from Rider University and has completed studies at Cornell, INSEAD-France, Columbia, and The Management Centre Europe-Brussels in executive management and cross border business strategies.