(LOS ANGELES and JOHANNESBURG — December 10, 2025) Virgin Music Group, the world’s leading partner to independent artists, labels and entrepreneurs, has promoted Nicole Thomas to the position of Managing Director of South Africa. Thomas was previously Co-Country Manager of Virgin Music Group, South Africa.
“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.”
“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,” said Thomas.
“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. Over the last two years, under Thomas’ leadership, Virgin has had an exceptionally successful run,” said Michael Roe, Managing Director of Virgin Music Group Africa, Middle East, and Asia (AMEA).
The company’s artists won a number of awards, including South African Music Awards for Dlala Thukzin and Lwah Ndlunkulu, and a cappella group Just 6 earned a GRAMMY Nomination (2024) for their rendition of “Angels We Have Heard On High.” Dlala Thukzin was nominated for Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards. Virgin also signed Zimbabwe’s biggest music stars, Saintfloew & Freeman HKD, in addition to newcomer Naledi Aphiwe, who won Best African Pop Song at this year’s Metro FM Awards with her single “Romeo & Juliet.” Aphiwe was the youngest recipient of the award in the organization’s 18 year history. Additionally, Virgin signed America’s Got Talent Season 14 finalists Ndlovu Youth Choir and released their re-imagined isiZulu version of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” backed by Queen’s remaining members and the Freddy Mercury Foundation. The release was accompanied by a visually stunning music video earning global coverage from BBC News, The Times & NPR. And finally, Virgin Music Group partners received 13 nominations in total for the Basadi in Music Awards 2025, which celebrate women’s accomplishments in the music industry.
Virgin Music Group has also supported several partners who are at the forefront of the rising popularity of South Africa’s Lekompo genre. Artists like Shandesh, Kharishma, Janesh and Mvzzle are all hugely influential artists that are partnered with Virgin Music Group South Africa.
Virgin Music South Africa also extended its long-term partnership with Gallo Record Company, one of South Africa’s most esteemed and respected record labels and music publishers. This agreement includes Content Connect Africa, an independent media and content business with deeply rooted partnerships with major telecommunications networks, a pioneer of CRBTs (Caller Ring Back Tones).
Nicole came to Virgin via the independent distributor Electromode, where she served as General Manager. Prior to Electromode, Nicole worked in studio management at CSR Studios, one of Johannesburg’s premier recording facilities, overseeing client relations, marketing and promotions, business development and operations. In an earlier stint at Electromode, Nicole served as executive assistant to Electromode founder Chris Ghelakis. She began her career in finance for Primedia Music in 2001.
Thomas also announced several promotions within the Virgin Music Group team in South Africa:
- Gareth Wilson has been promoted to General Manager
- Nicola Chadwick has been promoted to Head of Business Affairs & Royalties
- Hlompho Motana has been promoted to Senior Business Development Manager
- Waide Lemos has been upped to Head of Label Operations
Virgin Music Group South Africa is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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About Virgin Music Group
Virgin Music Group is the world’s leading partner to independent music companies and artists who require a standalone team with global infrastructure and local expertise in every major music market around the world. Virgin Music Group offers compelling, efficient, and highly flexible global solutions with the most advanced marketing technology available for independent record labels, artists, and entrepreneurs who want to succeed.