Nexus:
Targeted, high-level connectivity
︎ London
Nexus specialises in building networks and making connections that achieve transformational shifts for our clients.
We focus on U.K. and U.S. government relations, international diplomacy, defence technology, fundraising, and high-level problem solving.
Our foundations are strong personal bonds across an extensive and influential global network; our clients are government entities, multi-national companies and, in some cases, individuals.
Whether by influencing policy, making front page news, guiding opinion or introducing suitable investors, we bring about the fundamental changes our clients seek.
We focus on U.K. and U.S. government relations, international diplomacy, defence technology, fundraising, and high-level problem solving.
Our foundations are strong personal bonds across an extensive and influential global network; our clients are government entities, multi-national companies and, in some cases, individuals.
Whether by influencing policy, making front page news, guiding opinion or introducing suitable investors, we bring about the fundamental changes our clients seek.
"James Cecil at Nexus has been critical to the growth and success of our company and its future prospects."
John Finney, Founder and CEO, All.Space
John Finney, Founder and CEO, All.Space
Nexus specialises in forging strategic connections in Washington, D.C.
︎ Washington D.C.
Nexus works in close partnership with the most influential government relations insiders in the United States.
We identify the most suitable and effective solutions in Washington on behalf of our clients, and continually monitor progress. We are not tied to any single firm or individual; we select our partners solely based upon the requirements of the brief. We save our clients time and funds, and ensure optimal results.
We are integrated into Washington’s architecture at the highest levels; we have a deep understanding of how things work, who to talk to, and what needs to be said. We take the most direct route to solving problems, leveraging longstanding personal relationships to advocate on our clients’ behalf.
Nexus has developed a wide-ranging coalition that extends across the U.S. Government; within Congress, the White House and the Executive Branch, the Department of Defence, politicians from both major parties, federal, state, and local government, federal agencies, editorial boards, and the commercial space.
In the United States, we quickly deliver impact and secure influence.
We identify the most suitable and effective solutions in Washington on behalf of our clients, and continually monitor progress. We are not tied to any single firm or individual; we select our partners solely based upon the requirements of the brief. We save our clients time and funds, and ensure optimal results.
We are integrated into Washington’s architecture at the highest levels; we have a deep understanding of how things work, who to talk to, and what needs to be said. We take the most direct route to solving problems, leveraging longstanding personal relationships to advocate on our clients’ behalf.
Nexus has developed a wide-ranging coalition that extends across the U.S. Government; within Congress, the White House and the Executive Branch, the Department of Defence, politicians from both major parties, federal, state, and local government, federal agencies, editorial boards, and the commercial space.
In the United States, we quickly deliver impact and secure influence.
"James is an extremely well connected and trusted friend who operates at the highest levels in both London and Washington. In either city he is the man who can get things done."
FORMER CONGRESSMAN GEORGE HOLDING
FORMER CONGRESSMAN GEORGE HOLDING
Nexus worldwide
︎ Rest of the world
Nexus has established a network of trusted government and commercial contacts across the globe.
We are experienced in matching clients with local partners who can advance their goals in a range of countries.
This extends from the developed world and the Commonwealth to some of the most challenging operational environments.
We are experienced in matching clients with local partners who can advance their goals in a range of countries.
This extends from the developed world and the Commonwealth to some of the most challenging operational environments.
"James at Nexus has developed a remarkable, wide, and deep network of connections. He has introduced and helped us build trusted partnerships in a range of frontier markets around the globe. James has identified and brought opportunities allowing us to develop commodity merchandising businesses we would have missed. James has unique skills, maintaining integrity, creating win-win results in very difficult markets. It is a great pleasure to recommend his services."
NORMAN HAY, FORMER CHAIRMAN AND CEO, CARGILL INTERNATIONAL S.A.
NORMAN HAY, FORMER CHAIRMAN AND CEO, CARGILL INTERNATIONAL S.A.
Who we are
James Cecil
Nexus was founded by James Cecil in 2017, after a career spanning military service, politics, and business.
James is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and he served as an infantry officer in the U.K. Armed Forces for six years before leaving with the rank of Captain.
He has worked in a range of capacities for the Conservative Party and was elected to London borough government in 2006. He maintains strong links with the Party, both through historical family ties and ongoing personal connections.
James has a proven track record working both in the U.K. and internationally on government and commercial projects across a variety of sectors and industries.
He lives in West London, and is married with five children.
James is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and he served as an infantry officer in the U.K. Armed Forces for six years before leaving with the rank of Captain.
He has worked in a range of capacities for the Conservative Party and was elected to London borough government in 2006. He maintains strong links with the Party, both through historical family ties and ongoing personal connections.
James has a proven track record working both in the U.K. and internationally on government and commercial projects across a variety of sectors and industries.
He lives in West London, and is married with five children.
What we do
Nexus’ areas of specialism include:
- Bespoke strategic connections (government and commerce)
- U.K. and U.S. government relations
- Issues management
- Press and the media
- Election research, strategy, and implementation
- Security and investigations
- Public relations
- Litigation support
Our core geographic areas of influence are:
- London, U.K.
- Washington, D.C., U.S.A
- The Commonwealth
- The Middle East and North Africa
- Africa
- Latin America
Advisory board
The Rt Hon Lord Swire KCMG
(Chairman)
Hugo was the Conservative Member of Parliament for East Devon from June 2001 to December 2019.
He served as the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport under David Cameron; he was appointed Minister of State for Northern Ireland, and then Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. His responsibilities included Latin America, Central America, North America, Asia, Asia Pacific, Australasia, and the Commonwealth.
In 2011, Hugo was sworn in as member of the Privy Council and he was subsequently Knighted (Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael) in 2016.
Amongst other roles he is currently Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.
Dr Alia Brahimi
Alia is a political analyst and advisor specialising in the Middle East and North Africa. She is currently a Nonresident Senior Fellow within the Middle East Programs at the Atlantic Council in Washington, D.C., having previously held academic positions at the University of Oxford, for many years, and the London School of Economics.
She has also worked as a political advisor on policy areas related to the region and has provided expert briefings to several governments. Her book (Jihad and Just War in the War on Terror) was published by Oxford University Press, and her commentary for a broader audience appears in the Guardian and Foreign Policy.
Alia graduated with a Master’s (MPhil) and PhD (DPhil) in International Relations from the University of Oxford, where she also taught undergraduate and graduate students and completed her postdoctoral research.
Sir Mark Allen CMG
Mark was educated at the Dragon School, Downside, and Exeter College, Oxford, MA (Arabic and Turkish).
He joined HM Diplomatic Service in 1973. He did further Arabic training at MECAS (1974) and then served in Abu Dhabi (1975-77), Cairo (1978-81), and Belgrade (1982-86). He dealt with East European affairs in London (1986-90) before returning to the Middle East as Counsellor (Political) in Amman (1990-94). In London, Mark was later responsible for work on countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, for operational work in Africa and the Middle East, and counter terrorism. Finally he was responsible for Global Issues which included terrorism, WMD and strategic crime. His book, Arabs, was published in June 2006.
In 2010 following a long interest and practice in Arabic calligraphy, Mark was granted an ijaza in Muhaqqaq script by his teacher Nassar Mansour and Nassar’s teacher, Hasan Çelebi in Istanbul. He is believed to be the first Englishman to have been given an ijaza. He edited Nassar Mansour’s “Sacred Script” in 2011.
Since retiring, Mark has been a special advisor to the BP Group, and a senior adviser to Palantir Technologies. He has been a trustee of St. John and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in London since 2009 and chairman 2019-2022. He was appointed CMG in 2002 and knighted in 2005. He received a Papal knighthood in 2009. He is an honorary fellow of St Antony’s College, Oxford.
The Honorable Rodney E. Hood
Rodney brings a wealth of experience at the highest levels in banking and overseeing U.S. Government federal financial institutions.
Rodney was nominated to the board of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) under President Donald Trump, where he served as Chairman until January 2021. He was a voting member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council and represented the NCUA on the Financial and Banking Information Infrastructure Committee. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.
From 2003 until 2005, Rodney served as associate administrator of the Rural Housing Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He was appointed to the NCUA Board by former President George W. Bush and served from November 2005 until August 2009.
Prior to his public service career, Rodney worked for Bank of America as a Community Reinvestment Act officer. He later held positions at North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and the Emerging Markets Group for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, and served on the board of the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation.
Rodney was a corporate responsibility manager for JPMorgan Chase, overseeing national partnerships with non-profit organizations, financial regulators, and community stakeholders to promote financial inclusion in underserved and ethnic minority communities.
Rodney is from Charlotte, North Carolina. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in business, communications, and political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Media
We elevate our clients’ stories, and the issues that matter to them, across a range of tier-one media.
Our track record includes editorial, op-ed, and front-page articles in the major platforms of the U.K. and the U.S, including:
Our track record includes editorial, op-ed, and front-page articles in the major platforms of the U.K. and the U.S, including:
Contact
Nexus Advisory
32 Curzon Street
London W1J 7TS
32 Curzon Street
London W1J 7TS