Kobalt Promotes Leslie Ahrens to Managing Director & EVP of Creative, Latin America
The exec will continue to oversee Kobalt’s star-studded Latin music roster, featuring Karol G, Enrique Iglesias, Carlos Vives, Ruben Blades and more.
Black News 
Independent music publisher Kobalt announced Monday (May 4) it has promoted Leslie Ahrens to managing director and executive vp of creative, Latin America, Billboard can exclusively announce.
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The move builds on Ahrens’ nearly decade-long tenure with the company and positions her as a key figure in Kobalt’s Latin American operations. She will continue to manage the company’s expansive Latin music roster, which includes Karol G, Ovy On The Drums, Arcángel, Prince Royce, Mr. NaisGai, DJ Luian, Anuel AA, Ela Taubert, Justin Quiles, Kevin Kaarl, Natti Natasha, Carlos Vives, Rubén Blades, Pedro Tovar, Ana Bárbara, Enrique Iglesias, Luis R Conriquez, Los Temerarios and more.
“I’ve always believed that great writers aren’t just found — they’re nurtured,” said Ahrens in a press release. “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.”
In her new dual creative and operational role, Ahrens will report directly to Jeannette Perez, Kobalt’s president and chief commercial officer. Ahrens will oversee the company’s strategy and growth in the region, leveraging her industry expertise and relationships to expand Kobalt’s reach and support for songwriters.
“Leslie is a powerhouse whose deep-rooted relationships and fierce advocacy for songwriters have been foundational to our success in the region,” said Perez in the statement. “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 and 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, who joined the company in 2014, previously served as senior vp, creative, Latin America. During her time at Kobalt, she has played a pivotal role in the growth of its roster. She succeeds Nestor Casonu, who is leaving his role as president, Latin America, after an 11-year tenure to focus on personal endeavors.
Along with Ahrens’ elevation, Kobalt also announced two additional promotions within its Latin division: May-Ling Mediavilla has been promoted to vp and general manager, Latin America. She was previously senior director. And Lea Moussa has been promoted to vp of business development, Latin America. She was previously vp of deals & digital partnerships in the region. All three executives will continue to be based in Kobalt’s Miami offices.
Kobalt Music is an independent music publishing powerhouse, managing over one million songs globally. and representing top-tier artists, including Max Martin and Paul McCartney.
