JOHANNESBURG, SA (CelebrityAccess) — Virgin Music Group announced that Nick Ghelakis and Nicole Thomas have been appointed as co-country managers of Virgin Music South Africa.
In their new roles, the two executives will lead the label group’s operations in the region, following the passing of Nick’s father, the noted South African music exec Chris Ghelakis, who formerly managing director of VMG South Africa. The elder Ghelakis joined the company in 2021 after his music distribution company was acquired by Ingrooves and rebranded as Virgin Music Group in late 2023.
Nick Ghelakis began his career as an artist, winning a South African Music Award (SAMA) when he was 19 years old. After studying at the University of South Africa and attaining a BCom in Accounting, Ghelakis relocated to London where he worked for the accounting firm Price Waterhouse Coopers before returning to music in 2010 with an internship at his father’s Johannesburg Electromode.
Thomas most recently served as General Manager of Electromode, a position she has held since 2017. She joined Ingrooves following the acquisition in 2021 and continued through during the rebrand to Virgin Music Group. He resume also includes past roles in studio management at SCR Studios, where she oversaw client relations, marketing and promotions, business development and operations.
“Working alongside Nick Ghelakis to carry on the legacy of his father Chris Ghelakis and his great company Electromode, which is now further empowered by Virgin Music Group, one of the most respected music business brands in the world, is really a dream come true,” said Nicole. “I’m looking forward to working with JT, Nat Pastor, Michael Roe and the rest of the Virgin Music Group team to create the very best opportunities both for our local artist community as well as the amazing repertoire we work with around the world.”
“I am so proud to be continuing my father’s legacy here in South Africa,” said Nick Ghelakis. “Working with Nicole and the incredible global team at Virgin Music Group will empower us to nurture and help so many African artists attain their dreams on the international stage.”
“Nicole and Nick both bring with them decades of experience in the South African music market, characterized by a fierce devotion to local artists and a real vision to spread the country’s incredible music far beyond its own borders,” said JT Myers, Co-CEO of Virgin Music Group. “Their leadership ensures continuity as we continue to grow this hugely important music market both within the country and around the world.”
