Kobalt has promoted Leslie Ahrens to the position of managing director and executive vice president, creative, Latin America.
In her new role, Ahrens will report to Jeannette Perez, president & chief commercial officer, and take on a dual creative and operational mandate across the Latin American region.
Jeannette 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.”
Ahrens will continue to manage Kobalt’s Latin American roster, which includes Karol G, Ovy On The Drums, Arcángel, Julia Lewis, and many more.
Leslie Ahrens said: “I’ve always believed that great writers aren’t just found – they’re nurtured. 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 joined Kobalt Music Group’s creative team in Miami in 2014. She was promoted to VP, creative Latin America in 2016 and elevated to SVP, creative Latin America in 2020.
Leslie is a powerhouse whose deep-rooted relationships and fierce advocacy for songwriters have been foundational to our success in the region
Jeannette Perez
As head of Kobalt’s Latin division, Ahrens takes over from veteran music publishing executive Nestor Casonu. The publisher said he is leaving his position as president, Latin America at Kobalt to focus on his personal life.
During his 11-year tenure at Kobalt, Casonu built the company’s Latin music team and roster, helping to establish Kobalt as a key player in Latin music.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Nestor for his leadership, vision, and unwavering support over the years,” said Ahrens. “His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my career and preparing me for this moment."
“We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to Nestor Casonu for his incredible steerage over the past 11 years,” added Perez. “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.”
Additionally Kobalt has made the following promotions within its Latin division:
• May-Ling Mediavilla has been promoted to vice president and general manager LatAm at Kobalt. She was previously senior director.
• Lea Moussa has been promoted to vice president, business development LatAm. She was previously vice president, deals & digital partnerships LatAm.
All three executives are based in Kobalt’s Miami offices.
PHOTO: Vomba
FOLLOW 
