WMG Executive Action
• Alfonso Perez-Soto has been appointed EVP of Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Warner Music Group. In this newly created role, Perez-Soto will oversee the company’s operations in those quickly developing markets. He will divide his time between Miami and New York and report to Stu Bergen, WMG’s CEO, International and Global Commercial Services.
Over the past five years, WMG has led a number of major initiatives in these emerging markets — including the establishment of Warner Music Russia and Warner Music South Africa in 2013; the integration of EMI’s affiliates in key Eastern European markets in the same year; and the acquisition of Polskie Nagrania in 2015.
Bergen commented, “Alfonso has a knack for unlocking business opportunities in emerging markets. There’s no one better placed to spearhead our growth in these areas, which are crucial for the future of our company. In today’s streaming ecosystem these regions are going to become increasingly influential in breaking new artists globally.” Perez-Soto said, “I’m delighted to take up this new role as we expand our presence in key emerging markets. These regions have fantastic local performers and provide a huge opportunity for our international artists. I can’t wait to get started working alongside our brilliant in-house teams and licensees across the globe.”
Perez-Soto has held numerous roles at WMG, starting as VP of Business Development for Latin America and U.S. Hispanic Markets. He later served as SVP, Business Development, Latin America, Spain and Emerging Markets. In 2017, he was appointed to the new role of Global Business Development and Chief Commercial Officer, Emerging Markets. Earlier in his career, Perez-Soto worked at Telefonica, Universal Music Group Latin America and Nokia.
