• by Larissa Faw , April 29, 2021

The Richards Group is continuing its new chapter post founder Stan Richards with a newly created position focused on company culture.

Nikki Wilson, former human resources and labor relations director at General Motors, will serve as the agency’s first Chief Talent and Culture Officer to oversee the integration of initiatives into the entire agency’s culture and operations, act as the agency’s champion for all employee resource groups, and lead all human resources functions.

In her wide-ranging role, Wilson will represent the interests, voices and experiences of the agency’s talent at the executive level and will be an advocate for enhancing employee engagement and the workplace environment.

She reports to CEO Glenn Dady and together the two leaders will develop the workforce plan vision for the agency’s changing culture and ongoing rebuild. She will also oversee leadership training initiatives.

Furthering the spirit of this new era at The Richards Group, Wilson will also join the newly appointed Leadership Council, a group tasked with keeping a close eye on all aspects of the firm and its vision for the future. They will be joined by a rotating team of younger members to provide fresh perspective on agency matters.

A newly appointed Creative Council will partner with the agency’s up-and-coming talent to ensure continued improvement in the agency’s work.

Wilson’s 18 years at General Motors culminated in her leading human resources strategy for the automotive leader in Arlington, Texas, overseeing leadership development and workforce training. She previously served as human resources director and labor relations manager in various locations around the United States and globally.

After last year’s scandal involving founder Richards, the agency has made strides in paving a new path for the future. Along with the appointment of outside inclusion, equity and diversity (IE&D) counsel Do What Matters earlier this year, this move will further the agency’s commitment to a broader and more diverse workforce and a core focus on its people – with inclusion-first management being top priority.

“Nikki’s valuable experience in human resources, labor relations and DEI make her a crucial asset as our agency continues to rebuild – for now and for years to come,” said Dady. “This hire may be our most important position we’ve created since the founding of the agency, and Nikki is the perfect person for the role.”