Veteran Warner Exec Alfonso Perez Soto Steps Down

Twenty-year Warner Music Group (WMG) veteran Alfonso Perez Soto has announced he is departing the company.

Work history:

• Perez Soto was most recently EVP, Corporate Development.

• Prior WMG roles include President of Emerging Markets.

• As per Music Business Worldwide, in 2020 he oversaw the launch of Warner Music India.

• He also spearheaded Warner’s acquisition of Qanawat in MENA in 2022, and Africori in Africa this year.

Shake-up:

• Perez Soto’s departure follows that of other senior executives at WMG, such as ADA’s Cat Kreidich, and reshuffles at Atlantic Records and Warner Records US.

• These changes came in the wake of CEO Robert Kyncl’s $300 million cost-cutting exercise, of which $170 million is comprised of headcount.

What they said:

• Simon Robson, WMG’s President of EMEA, and Michael Ryan Southern, WMG’s EVP & Chief Corporate Development and Strategy Officer (in a note to staff, as per Music Business Worldwide): “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.”