Warner Chappell Music has promoted Lázaro Hernández to senior vice president, A&R, U.S. Latin & Latin America. The Miami-based executive — who most recently helped sign Maria Becerra, Chencho Corleone and Gabito Ballesteros — will lead the U.S. Latin A&R team while expanding his responsibilities to shape the company’s overall A&R strategy in Latin America. He will continue reporting to Gustavo Menéndez, president, U.S. Latin & Latin America.
“I have so much gratitude for Warner Chappell,” Hernández said in a statement. “I get to work with a passionate team and help our songwriters get to the core of their creativity. There are more opportunities than ever before for Latino songwriters to share their music with the world, and I’m grateful for my role in that. I’m eternally thankful to Gustavo, Guy [Moot], and Carianne [Marshall] for believing in me and entrusting me with this opportunity.”
Hernández first joined Warner Chappell Music in 2008 as an A&R coordinator. Before being promoted to his new svp role, he had been the publisher’s vp of A&R for U.S. Latin and Latin America since 2020. Now, he oversees a roster of artists, songwriters and producers that includes Andres Torres & Mauricio Rengifo, Chris Jedi, Gaby Music, GALE, Natanael Cano, Paulo Londra, Rauw Alejandro and Villano Antillano, among others.
“Laz is one of the most talented A&R leaders in the industry, and I’ve had the fortune of working with him for over 15 years, witnessing not only his growth as an executive but also his ongoing commitment to our songwriters,” added Menéndez. “His drive is unstoppable, and he has such an intuitive approach to working with artists and songwriters, spotting hidden talent, and helping to develop their songwriting careers. I couldn’t be more excited for him as he takes on this next role.”