LOS ANGELES, CA, (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has appointed Eddie Fernandez SVP of Latin America as announced today by David Renzer, the company’s Chairman & CEO. Most recently, Fernandez served as head of the Latin region for Sony Music Publishing. In this new role, Fernandez will preside over the company’s Latin music
activities and report to Renzer and to Jesus Lopez, Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Latin America & Iberian Peninsula.
"Latin music has long been a priority for us at Universal Music Publishing Group and we have built our Latin music publishing operation over the years into one of the industries leaders," stated Renzer. "I am confident that with Eddie Fernandez’s experience, dedication, and wide range of contacts within the Latin industry, we will continue the growth
of UMPG’s Latin music publishing operations."
"It’s a true pleasure to welcome back Eddie in our team. His experience and skill as A&R are very important to successfully face the challenge for expanding our business in the region," said Lopez.
"I am thrilled to be joining UMPG and look forward to aggressively expanding on UMPG’s already impressive Latin catalogue of songwriters and artists," added Fernandez.
Fernandez began his career at Sony Music Publishing as head of A&R in 1991. In 1995, he became Director of A&R for Sony Discos. Fernandez left Sony in 1997 to oversee the A&R department of Universal Music Latino. In late 2003, Fernandez was hired by Sony to head the Latin American region and US Latin operation.
Key signings and re-negotiations during Fernandez’s career include: Luis Fonsi, Amaury Gutierrez (Fonsi’s "Nada Es Para Siempre" mega hit, Liliana, Yaire, Alih Jey, Tito El Bambino, Latin Pop diva Olga Tanon, Leon Gieko, Alexis & Fido, and renegotiations with singer-songwriter Ricardo Arjona, Estefano, Roberto Livi, Sin Bandera, Mario Domm, Roberto Carlos, Kaos, Giro, Ashley, and Grupo Mania, among many others.
Universal Music Publishing Group has recently been the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Latin Music Publisher of the Year award at the El Premio ASCAP awards (for the fifth time) and Songwriter of the Year (for the fifth time via UMPG’s Rudy Perez). UMPG’s Gustavo Santaolalla recently won an Oscar (Best Original Score) and Golden Globe (Best Original Song) for "A Love That Will Never Grow Old," co-written with UMPG’s Bernie Taupin for the Brokeback Mountain oundtrack. Earlier in 2006, UMPG’s Willy Chirino received a GRAMMY award for Best Salsa/Merengue Album while Molotov won Best Rock Album of the Year at Premio Lo Nuestro awards.
The diverse Universal Music Publishing Group catalog and roster includes some of the most important latin music songwriters and artists, such as: Willy Chirino, Café Tacuba, Alih Jey, A.B. Quintanilla III, Andrea Echeverri, Baby Rasta, the catalogues of Gloria and Emilio Estefan Jr., Gustavo Santalalla, Hector ‘el Father’, Ignacio Pena, Javier Garcia, JayLozada, Jorge Luis Piloto, KC Porter, Los Amigos Invisibles, Manny Benito, Marc Durandeau, Molotov, Nely, Nicolle Chirino, Rudy Perez, Tulio Cremisini, Willy Chirino, Wisin & Yandel, and many more.
Fernandez attended the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico and received his Bachelor of Arts & Sciences from Catholic University of Puerto Rico. Fernandez is also a professional pianist, music director, and producer.
