GHELAKIS, THOMAS TO LEAD VIRGIN SOUTH AFRICA

Former Electromode executives Nick Ghelakis and Nicole Thomas have been named co-country managers of Virgin Music Group, South Africa. The duo will lead VMG's continued expansion into the high-growth region following the death of Chris Ghelakis, one of the most successful independent music executives in South Africa and former MD of VMG South Africa.

VMG South Africa released the biggest song in the region last year in collaboration with Dlala Records; in September, "iPlan" by Dlala Thukzin f/Sykes & Zaba reached #1 on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube in South Africa, where it held court for 10 consecutive weeks.

Chris Ghelakis' distribution company, Electromode, was acquired by Ingrooves in 2021 and began rebranding as Virgin Music Group in late 2023.

“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 VMG.

Like his father before him, Nick Ghelakis began his career as an artist, winning a South African Music Award when he was just 19. He joined Electromode in 2010 as a digital marketer in Johannesburg.

Thomas most recently served as GM of Electromode, a position she has held since 2017, transitioning to Ingrooves Africa in 2021 and then VMG last year. She also spent time as executive assistant to Chris Ghelakis.

“Working alongside Nick Ghelakis to carry on the legacy of his father, Chris, and his great company, Electromode, which is now further empowered by VMG, 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 VMG team to create the very best opportunities both for our local artist community and the amazing repertoire we work with around the world.”