Delia Orjuela, Vice President for Latin Writer/Publisher Relations today announced personnel changes at BMI Latin “to meet the growing demand for Latin repertoire.”
In Puerto Rico, 17-year BMI veteran Joey Mercado was promoted to Senior Director, Latin Writer/Publisher Relations. Mercado oversees the day-to-day responsibilities for BMI in the Puerto Rico and Miami markets. Mercado has helped develop the careers of many BMI affiliates in Puerto Rico, Miami and the Caribbean, and regularly seeks new affiliates, songwriters and publishers. For several years, he also managed Latin markets for BMI’s Licensing Department, where he built long-term relationships with top executives in the Hispanic broadcasting community and educated them on the value of BMI’s Latin catalogue.
Carolina Arenas has joined the Latin Writer/Publisher Relations team as Director, Latin Writer/Publisher Relations. Arenas is responsible for recruiting and developing new Latin songwriters in New York. She also maintains relationships with existing BMI writers and has an active role in the coordination of local and national songwriter events, showcases and seminars, in addition to assisting affiliates with administrative and creative functions.
Arenas joins BMI from ManageMe Enterprises, marketing and management firm that focuses on Latin artists, which she founded in 2011. Her past positions include Membership Coordinator at the Latin Recording Academy; Strategic Marketing Director at FonoVisa & Disa; and Senior Product Manager, Artist & Repertoire at Machete Music.
“The recent team developments in Puerto Rico and New York supplement our dynamic team,” Orjuela stated in a press release. “Joey and Carolina work closely with Marissa Lopez, our Director, Latin Writer/Publisher Relations in Los Angeles, and the rest of the BMI professionals responsible for cultivating key relationships and signing new talent. Our entire team serves as ambassadors to the Latin music industry.”
BMI songwriters claimed 77 percent of the honors at the 2013 Billboard Latin Music Awards. BMI winners included Don Omar, Prince Royce, Jenni Rivera, Maná, José José, Gerardo Ortiz, Espinoza Paz and Shakira. At the 2013 GRAMMY Awards, 100 percent of the awards in the Latin music categories went to BMI songwriters.
“We are delighted with this recognition for our growing Latin repertoire,” Orjuela said. “Our team is dedicated to nurturing the careers and increasing visibility for BMI songwriters and the Latin music community overall.”