Executive Action: Virgin Music Group
• Virgin Music Group has promoted Nicole Thomas from Co-Country Manager to Managing Director of Virgin Music Group, South Africa, based in Johannesburg.
“Nicole has guided our South African business with a focus and energy that has made a real difference for our labels in the region,” said JT Myers, Co-CEO of Virgin Music Group. “Nicole’s deep relationships within the artist and business community make her the perfect executive to continue to lead our growth in South Africa.”
Thomas joined Virgin in May 2024 from the GM post at independent distributor Electromode. Prior to Electromode, Thomas worked in studio management at CSR Studios, one of Johannesburg’s premier recording facilities. In an earlier stint at Electromode, Thomas was executive assistant to Electromode founder Chris Ghelakis, and she began her career in finance for Primedia Music in 2001.
“As we continue to work alongside our label clients in the region, Nicole’s knowledge and relationships will continue to play an integral role in our success,” said Michael Roe, Managing Director of Virgin Music Group Africa, Middle East, and Asia (AMEA). “Over the last two years, under Thomas’ leadership, Virgin has had an exceptionally successful run.”
Thomas remarked, “I’m grateful to JT Myers and Nat Pastor for putting their faith in me to continue to lead our team in South Africa as we expand our collaboration with South Africa’s music entrepreneurs to develop innovative artists in the region.”
Thomas concurrently announced several other promotions within the Virgin Music Group team in South Africa: Gareth Wilson has been elevated to General Manager; Nicola Chadwick has been promoted to Head of Business Affairs & Royalties; Hlompho Motana has been promoted to Senior Business Development Manager; and Waide Lemos has been upped to Head of Label Operations. [Photo Credit: Brendan Johnston]
