HYBE America has appointed veteran communications and marketing exec Johanna Fuentes to the newly created role of Executive Vice President and Head of Communications and Public Relations.
Fuentes most recently served as Head of Global Communications for WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group and EVP of Worldwide Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at Warner Bros. In that role, she led communications through milestones for the company including HBO Max‘s launch, the studio’s pandemic-era messaging, day-and-date theatrical releases, and executive transitions.
Her responsibilities spanned Warner Bros. Pictures and Television Group, HBO and HBO Max, Turner networks, gaming, brands and franchise properties.
Before Warner Bros., Fuentes spent a decade as EVP of Communications at Showtime Networks. She also led communications at Bravo during the expansion of its flagship franchises.
Since leaving Warner Bros., Fuentes has run a consultancy advising top executives and brands spanning entertainment, media, culture, politics, philanthropy, tech and communications. Her recent clients included Regal Cineworld, Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour, Activision and Blumhouse.
In her new role, Fuentes will handle all internal and external communications across HYBE’s North and South America operations. She will develop communications strategy for HYBE America’s portfolio, which includes Big Machine Label Group, Quality Control Music, the company’s Latin American labels, its US Hispanic market operations, and its partnership with Universal Music. The role covers both music and film and TV properties.
Isaac Lee, Chairman and CEO of HYBE AMERICA, said: “Johanna is a world-class communications leader with an extraordinary track record of guiding companies through moments of growth, transformation and cultural impact.”
“Johanna is a world-class communications leader with an extraordinary track record of guiding companies through moments of growth, transformation and cultural impact.”
Isaac Lee, HYBE AMERICA
Added Lee: “Her strategic vision, deep industry relationships, and ability to connect corporate leadership, artists, and audiences make her an invaluable addition to our executive team as we continue to expand HYBE’s presence and influence across the Americas.”
Commenting on her appointment, Fuentes said: “I’m thrilled to join HYBE AMERICA at a defining moment for both the company and the global music industry.”
“HYBE is building a next-generation entertainment model with deep roots in culture, fandom, and global ambition. I look forward to bringing my experience navigating periods of rapid change to help define a bold, cohesive narrative that supports the company’s continued expansion across the Americas.”
“I look forward to bringing my experience navigating periods of rapid change to help define a bold, cohesive narrative that supports the company’s continued expansion across the Americas.”
Johanna Fuentes, HYBE AMerica
The appointment comes as HYBE, the company behind K-pop acts including BTS and KATSEYE, pushes deeper into Western markets.
HYBE America was built out of HYBE’s acquisition of Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings in 2021.
Braun left the CEO position last summer, ahead of the company’s launch of a globally-focused services division.
In the past year, the company bought L.A.-based VIP experiences firm Confirmed360, signed a distribution agreement with So So Def Recordings, and formed a joint venture with YouTube star Alan Chikin Chow.
Last week, HYBE America appointed veteran music exec Ethiopia Habtemariam as its new President of Music. She previously headed up Universal Music Group’s Motown Records.Music Business Worldwide
