MBW readers will likely recognize Alfonso Perez Soto’s name. We’ve been covering the deals he’s struck for Warner Music Group ever since we started a decade ago.
Today, we learn he’s the latest high-profile executive to leave the company.
“After some 20 years of helping drive growth…we will go on different paths,” he said in a note to colleagues obtained by MBW.
The widely respected exec will leave his latest post as EVP, Corporate Development, which was announced in February last year.
Before that, he rose through the ranks to President of Emerging Markets.
Perez Soto made a string of headline-grabbing moves at WMG, including overseeing Warner’s acquisition of Qanawat in MENA during 2022 and Africori in Africa, completed this year.
In 2020, he spearheaded the launch of Warner Music India and the appointment of Jay Mehta, which led to marquee artist signings such as King and Diljit Dosanjh, as well as partnerships with local players like Divo and Skillbox.
In his note addressing employees, obtained by MBW, Perez Soto summarized his two-decade tenure as having been about “building the digital path for our business, making bold acquisitions, striking key deals, assembling an amazing team across exciting territories… and above all, bringing dynamic new artists from all the corners of the world to the global stage.”
He did not announce his next move, adding, “See you down the road.”
MBW also got hold of a joint note from Simon Robson, WMG’s President of EMEA, and Michael Ryan Southern, WMG’s EVP & Chief Corporate Development and Strategy Officer.
Paying tribute to Perez Soto, the pair called out his “knack for talent spotting entrepreneurs, artist catalogs, and companies”. They also praised how he “traveled the world on behalf of WMG, building invaluable relationships through his hard work, charm, and tireless passion for our artists and their music.”
You can read their full note below.
Perez Soto’s exit follows other senior executives recently leaving WMG including ADA’s Cat Kreidich and reshuffles at Atlantic Records and Warner Records in the US.
In July, WMG’s CEO. Robert Kyncl, announced “the remaining steps” in his reorganization plan designed to free up funds for reinvestment. It includes reducing annual costs by $300 million, with $170 million coming from headcount.
He added “many changes will be implemented in the next three months, with the remainder in fiscal 2026.”
Hi everyone,
As you’ve just learned from him, Alfonso Perez Soto has decided to leave the company. Through a variety of key posts – from pioneering our digital business in Latin America to dramatically expanding our presence in Emerging Markets, he’s always been about what’s next – how to position WMG for future success in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Alfonso joined WMG in 2005 as VP of Business Development for the LATAM & US Hispanic market, striking groundbreaking partnerships. After being lured to telecom giant Telefónica for 2 years, he returned to WMG in 2012 as SVP, Business Development & Chief Commercial Officer for Emerging Markets – where he applied his experience in Latin America to help turbocharge growth in other territories. Promoted to President of Emerging Markets, he played a key role in accelerating our global expansion. He most recently served as EVP, Corporate Development, focusing on Recorded Music.
He’s had a knack for talent spotting entrepreneurs, artist catalogs, and companies where a combination with WMG would unlock new opportunities for both parties. Key moves included our acquisition of Qanawat in MENA, which transformed our position in this fast developing market, as well as the purchase of the distribution company, Africori, and the launch and explosive success of Warner Music India.
At every step along the way, Alfonso has designed and implemented dynamic growth strategies. He has traveled the world on behalf of WMG, building invaluable relationships through dedication, hard work, charm, and his tireless passion for our artists and their music.
On behalf of everyone at the company, we thank Alfonso for everything he’s accomplished here and wish him all the best in his next endeavour.
MRS & Simon RobsonMusic Business Worldwide