Alfonso Perez-Soto and Michael LoBiondo appointed to Warner Music’s corporate development team
Warner Music Group has recently filled key positions within its corporate development team, focusing on both its recordings and publishing sectors. Alfonso Perez-Soto has been appointed EVP of corporate development for the Recorded Music division, while Michael LoBiondo has taken on the role of SVP of Corporate Development for the publishing arm. Both executives will report to Michael Ryan Southern, the EVP and chief corporate development officer, who has been at the forefront of the company’s global M&A initiatives since August.
This move underscores Warner Music Group’s commitment to mergers and acquisitions as a central part of its growth strategy. By having dedicated professionals like Perez-Soto and LoBiondo on each side of the business, the company aims to identify and pursue investments and acquisitions that can drive the expansion of its music rights and technology portfolio.
Alfonso Perez-Soto brings over two decades of experience to his new role, having started his career at Warner Music in the Latin American market before moving on to handle business development in emerging markets. In his most recent role as the leader of Warner Music’s Emerging Markets division, Perez-Soto spearheaded a growth strategy that involved M&A, geographic expansion, and nurturing artistic talent in regions like Africa, Eastern Europe, India, and the Middle East. His efforts significantly bolstered Warner Music’s presence in these rapidly growing markets.
Meanwhile, Michael LoBiondo’s appointment as SVP of Corporate Development for Warner Chappell Music brings a wealth of expertise in strategic acquisitions and partnerships for the publisher’s songwriters and song catalog. LoBiondo’s previous roles at WMG involved various business development and digital initiatives, including involvement in the acquisition of Parlophone Label Group and investments in music technology startups.
In expressing his excitement about these new additions to the corporate development team, Michael Ryan Southern highlighted the deep knowledge of the music industry and deal-making acumen that Alfonso Perez-Soto and Michael LoBiondo bring to the table. With these appointments, Warner Music Group aims to leverage M&A activities to enhance its support for artists and songwriters, combining organic growth with strategic acquisitions to drive innovation and expansion.
Alfonso Perez-Soto expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead this new initiative, emphasizing the role of corporate development in facilitating revenue growth, expanding music catalogs, acquiring local expertise, enhancing artist services, and attracting top talent to the Warner Recorded Music ecosystem. Similarly, Michael LoBiondo affirmed the commitment to driving growth and innovation across the company’s publishing sector under the leadership of Southern and his team.
