Nexus Search Partners Fills Key Role for the Charlotte Hornets
August 4, 2025 – Nexus Search Partners, an executive search and advisory firm in Charlotte, NC, has assisted in the recruitment of Jon DeLord as vice president of business intelligence at Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE), home of the Charlotte Hornets. “This placement reflects what makes our work at Nexus distinctive,” said Thaddeus Jones, founder and managing partner of Nexus Search Partners. “It’s not just about identifying talented leaders; it’s about understanding where an organization is going, then placing someone who’s ready to help them get there. Jon is that kind of leader.”
“Our team led a high-touch, full-cycle executive search process to identify and validate top candidates aligned with HSE’s evolving needs and leadership style,” Mr. Jones continued. “The engagement exemplifies Nexus’ commitment to helping organizations fuel long-term success by placing culturally aligned, high-impact leaders and equipping them to thrive.”
“We’re excited to welcome a leader like Jon DeLord to Hornets Sports & Entertainment,” said Mike Behan, chief business and revenue officer at HSE. “He brings strong business intelligence expertise and a collaborative mindset that will make an immediate impact as we shape a new era of Hornets basketball. Nexus’ thoughtful approach helped us quickly align on the need with a focus on our culture, priorities, and where we’re headed as an organization.”
Mr. DeLord joins HSE at an exciting moment, as the organization continues to evolve its focus on operational excellence, innovation, and delivering an exceptional fan experience. In this role, he will lead the enterprise-wide analytics strategy, driving insights across ticketing, partnerships, marketing, and CRM to fuel business decisions and optimize revenue.
With over 20 years of experience spanning sports, entertainment, and technology, Mr. DeLord brings a deep understanding of how to turn data into actionable insights. He has previously held senior roles at FusionTech, PILYTIX, and Legends Hospitality, where he led analytics functions that transformed how organizations leverage AI, predictive modeling, and data storytelling to engage fans and drive commercial growth.
Hornets Sports & Entertainment is the business and operations arm behind the Charlotte Hornets franchise, including management of its professional teams and venue. It is responsible for operating the city‑owned Spectrum Center, home court for the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. HSE also oversees the Hornets’ NBA G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, and the eSports team Hornets Venom GT, making it the central enterprise managing team brands, arena operations, regional events, and fan experiences.
Nexus Search Partners was launched in 2022. The firm’s executive search process is built on four comprehensive pillars: in-depth cultural assessments, transparency and accountability, diverse candidate slates, and SVP+ executive coaching. Nexus Search Partners places cross-functional executives in consumer products and services, energy, financial and professional services, life sciences, private equity, and technology.
Related: Nexus Search Partners Fills President Role for Mobile Communications America
Mr. Jones has spent nearly two decades leading human resources talent management teams for some of the world’s largest companies, including Amazon, Lowe’s Home Improvement, and Target. He most recently served as executive vice president and chief talent officer for Red Ventures, a multi-billion dollar operating private equity company with more than 21 companies in its portfolio. It is also one of the largest digital media companies in the U.S.
Charlotte Regional Business Alliance Search
Nexus also recently recruited Robert McCutcheon as the new CEO of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (CLT Alliance). “Nexus Search Partners is committed to identifying leaders who create lasting impact,” said Mr. Jones. “Robert’s leadership experience and vision will be instrumental in positioning the CLT Alliance for long-term success, and we are proud to have led the search process to bring such a transformational leader to the region.”
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Nexus Search Partners conducted a rigorous, insight-driven search process to ensure that CLT Alliance’s next leader would be positioned for long-term success. Through extensive stakeholder engagement—including surveys and interviews—Nexus gathered insights from corporate investors, board members, community leaders, and regional economic development partners to identify the leadership attributes essential for the role.
“Robert is a proven leader who will continue to propel the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance forward,” said Andrea Smith, who has served as interim president and CEO of the organization since May of 2024. “He is purpose-driven and brings a commitment to fostering growth, building consensus, and developing high-performing teams. I am confident that Robert will steer this organization and our region toward even greater success.”
Related: Nexus Search Partners Recruits Director of Talent for Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Company
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
