Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has named Catalina Santa Peña as the new managing director for WCM Colombia, the company announced Thursday (March 16). The executive will lead the organization’s operations for the territory while reporting to Gustavo Menéndez, president of U.S. Latin & Latin America, Warner Chappell Music. She replaces Daniel Mora, who was recently named managing director of Warner Music Andes.
Santa Peña will oversee WCM Colombia’s “rapidly growing” roster, which includes Juan Pablo Vega, Santiago Cruz, Lalo Ebratt, Piso 21, Vicente García, Yera and TIMØ and be “key in helping expand the team while also championing local songwriters and global superstars alike,” according to a press release.
Santa Peña, who authored the book Industria Musical Para Artistas, Music Business Para Todos (Music Industry for Artists, Music Business for Everyone), is an industry veteran. In 2019, she founded entertainment law firm The Artist’s Attorney, where she worked with artists such as Karol G, Sky Rompiendo, J Balvin and Aterciopelados. She previously held roles at the Colombian Copyright office, Sony Music (Andean region), SAYCO and the Ministry of Culture in Public Performances Law in Colombia.
“As I’ve gotten to know Catalina over the years, I’ve seen the many hats she’s worn, from being an attorney and author, to becoming one of the industry’s most respected leaders,” said Menéndez in a statement. “Catalina knows the artistic side of the business and her heart is always in the right place, defending songwriters and the creative community. That’s the passion we like to see, and the perfect fit for our team and the philosophy we stand by. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have her joining us and continuing our work and expanding our growth.”
“I am very excited for this new opportunity and to continue my journey of empowering musicians and composers, who are the backbone of this wonderful industry of ours,” Santa Peña added.
