Eric Nicoli

Eric Luciano Nicoli, CBE (born 5 August 1950) is a British businessman who is Chairman of the PGA European Tour Group and has been the chairman of Centtrip since 2015. He was CEO of EMI Group plc between 12 January 2007 and August 2007, having previously been executive chairman of the group since July 1999.

In addition to his position at EMI, Nicoli has previously been group chief executive of United Biscuits (Holdings) plc (1991–1999) and non-executive chairman of HMV Group plc, The Tussauds Group Ltd and Vue Entertainment Ltd.

Early life Nicoli was born on 5 August 1950, the son of an Italian prisoner of war. His brother, Fabio Nicoli, who was an art director at A&M Records, died in 1977 at the young age of 30 from liver failure.

Nicoli was educated at Diss Grammar School and went on to graduate with a First Class degree in Physics from King's College London.

From Rowntree’s, Nicoli joined the multinational food manufacturer United Biscuits in 1980. He started out as marketing director before moving to become the group business planning director from 1984. He was managing director of the Frozen Foods division in 1985 and of the Biscuit and Confectionery division from 1986 to 1988. In 1989, he became chief executive of the company’s European operations before stepping up to be group chief executive in 1991, a role he held until April 1999 when he moved to EMI.

Nicoli has been chairman of Centtrip since 2015. He is also currently a director for Akazoo and a senior independent director of PGA European Tour.

Recognition In July 2003, he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Engineering from Brunel University for his outstanding service to the local community. In 2006, he received the CBE for services to the music industry.