Who We Are
Wes Nichols, Co-founder & Principal, Marketshare Partners
Wes is one of the industry’s most respected experts in strategic marketing and direct, one:one marketing, with an 18 year track record of launching and growing successful businesses, as well as helping companies come to life like EarthLink, DIRECTV, Apple, XM Radio, Electronic Arts, E*TRADE, Nissan, Mars Inc., Capital One, MBNA America and numerous others.
Prior to creating MarketShare Partners, Wes was asked by the company who had acquired his marketing network, Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC), to take the lead of TEQUILA\, a global marketing services network, where he served as President/CEO of North America and co-CEO Worldwide. Founded in Paris 18 years ago, TEQUILA\ is a multi-billion, 1400 person marketing services network in 40 countries. Wes was brought in to grow the network and create a competitive market positioning as well as build out the all-important North American network, which was non-existent. TEQUILA\ now works globally with Apple, Sony PlayStation, Pfizer, Nextel, Adidas, Comcast, Nissan and numerous other key brands.
Prior to TEQUILA\, he was the founder and CEO of Direct Partners, building the agency from scratch to one of the largest and most respected marketing networks, with offices in three countries and over $400 million in billings, selling to Omnicom Group in 1999, serving clients like EarthLink, Pfizer, Nissan, DIRECTV, and Disney. A winner of the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies award, DP is known as one of the most innovative direct marketing networks around and the industry innovator in marrying brand, direct and interactive marketing principles for large brands.
Wes was one of 3 judges for last year’s Cannes Advertising Festival, as well as the Direct Marketing Association’s ECHO Awards, honoring campaigns based on effectiveness. An active YPO member, Wes attended and matriculated from Randolph-Macon College, The Johns Hopkins University and Harvard Business School, with degrees in Psychology, Business and post-graduate studies in Professional Services Management, respectively.