Ahrens Now Running Kobalt Latin America
• Kobalt, the world’s leading independent music publisher, has promoted Leslie Ahrens to Managing Director and Executive Vice President, Creative, Latin America, marking a new chapter in her longstanding leadership within the company.
As she assumes this dual creative and operational role in the Latin American region, Ahrens reports to Jeannette Perez, President & Chief Commercial Officer, who commented, “Leslie is a powerhouse whose deep-rooted relationships and fierce advocacy for songwriters have been foundational to our success in the region. This promotion is a natural evolution of her leadership; we have the utmost trust in her ability to marry creative excellence with operational precision. As she takes the helm as Managing Director & EVP, I am confident that Leslie’s vision will propel our Latin American business to even greater heights, further solidifying Kobalt’s position as the premier home for songwriters around the world.”
Ahrens joined Kobalt Music Group’s Creative team in Miami in 2014 and was promoted to VP, Creative Latin America in 2016 and elevated to SVP, Creative Latin America in 2020. “I’ve always believed that great writers aren’t just found — they’re nurtured,” Ahrens said. “Some of the most meaningful work I’ve done has been taking chances on raw, unproven talent and giving them the space, support, and belief they need to grow. We take bets on potential, not just polished résumés, because there’s something powerful about spotting that spark early and helping it catch fire. There’s nothing more fulfilling than witnessing someone you believed in early in their career fully step into their talent. We don’t just invest in projects, we invest in people. And when they rise, we celebrate knowing we were part of that journey from the very beginning.”
Ahrens will continue to manage Kobalt’s expansive Latin American roster, which includes Karol G, Ovy On The Drums, Arcángel, JULiA LEWiS, Rios, Prince Royce, Mr. NaisGai, DJ Luian, Chris Jedi, Anuel AA, O’Neill, Vasave, ATM Yamil, Reelian, Swift, Lewis Somes, Ela Taubert, Justin Quiles, Kevin Kaarl,MVSIS, BASSYY, Natti Natasha, Carlos Vives, Rubén Blades, Yorghaki, Pedro Tovar, Ana Bárbara, Enrique Iglesias, Luis R Conriquez, Daniel Santacruz, Los Temerarios, Jesús Adrián Romero, and Yampi, to name more than a few.
As the new head of Kobalt’s Latin division, Ahrens succeeds veteran music publishing executive Nestor Casonu, who leaves his position as President, Latin America after 11 years to focus on his personal life. [Ahrens Photo by Vomba]
