Kobalt has promoted Leslie Ahrens to the role of Managing Director and Executive Vice President, Creative, Latin America.
In her new dual creative and operational role, Ahrens will report to Jeannette Perez, the publisher’s President & Chief Commercial Officer.
The appointment, announced on Monday (May 4), follows the exit of Nestor Casonu, who is leaving his position as President, Latin America at Kobalt after 11 years to focus on his personal life.
About Ahrens‘ appointment, Perez said: “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.”
“Leslie is a powerhouse whose deep-rooted relationships and fierce advocacy for songwriters have been foundational to our success in the region.”
Jeannette Perez, Kobalt
Ahrens joined Kobalt‘s Creative team in Miami in 2014, was promoted to VP, Creative Latin America in 2016, and elevated to SVP, Creative Latin America in 2020.
She will continue to manage Kobalt’s Latin American roster, which includes Karol G, Ovy On The Drums, Arcángel, Prince Royce, Anuel AA, Natti Natasha, Carlos Vives, Rubén Blades, Enrique Iglesias, Ela Taubert, Justin Quiles, and Los Temerarios.
“I’ve always believed that great writers aren’t just found — they’re nurtured,” said Ahrens.
“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.”
“I’ve always believed that great writers aren’t just found — they’re nurture.”
Leslie Ahrens, kobalt
Added Ahrens: “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.”
Casonu originally joined Kobalt in 2013 to advise on the publisher’s expansion into Latin America, having previously served as CEO of EMI Latin America.
Regarding Nestor, Ahrens commented: “I’m incredibly grateful to Nestor for his leadership, vision, and unwavering support over the years. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my career and preparing me for this moment.”
Perez added: “We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to Nestor Casonu for his incredible steerage over the past 11 years. Nestor was the architect of our Latin division, building a world-class team and a formidable roster from the ground up.”
“He leaves behind a legacy of success that serves as the perfect springboard for this next chapter.”
“I’m incredibly grateful to Nestor for his leadership, vision, and unwavering support over the years. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my career and preparing me for this moment.”
Leslie Ahrens, kobalt
Kobalt has also made two further promotions within its Latin division.
May-Ling Mediavilla has been promoted to Vice President and General Manager, Latin America, having previously served as Senior Director.
Lea Moussa has been elevated to Vice President, Business Development, Latin America, from her previous role as Vice President, Deals & Digital Partnerships, Latin America.
All three executives are based in Kobalt‘s Miami offices.
The reshuffle in Kobalt’s Latin division arrives during a period of corporate flux at the publisher.
