Nicole Thomas and Nick Gelakis
Johannesburg, SA (CelebrityAccess) — Virgin Music Group has announced that Nick Ghelakis and Nicole Thomas have been appointed joint country managers for Virgin Music South Africa.
In their new roles, the two executives will lead the label group’s operations in the region following the death of renowned South African music executive Chris Ghelakis, Nick’s father and former 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 at the age of 19, winning the South African Music Award (SAMA). After studying at a South African university and earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Ghelakis moved to London and worked at accounting firm Price Waterhouse Coopers before returning to music in 2010 during an internship at his father’s Johannesburg Electromode.
Thomas most recently served as General Manager of Electromode since 2017. She joined Ingrooves following its acquisition in 2021 and continued to work during the company’s rebrand to Virgin Music Group. His resume also includes a studio management role at SCR Studios, where he oversaw client relations, marketing and promotions, business development and operations.
“Working with Nick Ghelakis, continuing the legacy of his father Chris Ghelakis and his great company Electromode, and now being supported by Virgin Music Group, one of the most respected music business brands in the world, is truly a dream come true. “I look forward to working with JT, Nat Pastor, Michael Roe and the rest of the Virgin Music Group team to create the best opportunities for both our local artist community and the incredible repertoire we work with around the world,” said Nicole. there is. “
“I’m very proud to be able to continue my father’s legacy here in South Africa,” said Nick Ghelakis. “Working with Nicole and the incredible global team at Virgin Music Group, we will be able to nurture and help many African artists achieve their dreams on the international stage.”
Joint CEO JT Myers said: “Nicole and Nick both have decades of experience in the South African music market, characterized by a passionate commitment to local artists and a genuine vision to spread the country’s incredible music beyond its borders. “I do,” he said. Part of Virgin Music Group. “Their leadership ensures continuity as we continue to grow this critically important music market both domestically and globally.”
