Profiles Insights Contact Us

Desiree Perez

Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

Roc Nation

New York, NY, USA

Desiree Perez

Yavuz Pehlivanlar

César Pérez Ruiz

Pictet Wealth Management

Desiree Perez’s Biography

Desiree Perez is the Chief Executive Officer of Roc Nation, the entertainment company she co-founded with Shawn "JAŸ-Z" Carter. One of the music and entertainment industry's leading executives, she has overseen Roc Nation's expansion from its roots in music into a global enterprise spanning artist management, music publishing, sports, media, philanthropy and brand partnerships.

Working closely with Roc Nation's clients, Desiree develops commercial partnerships and business ventures that extend their brands beyond music. These include Rihanna's FENTY businesses, Megan Thee Stallion's Hot Girl Swim collection and Chicas Divertidas tequila brand, Alicia Keys' collaboration with Hennessy Paradis, and Lil Uzi Vert's campaign with Vans.

Desiree has played a central role in Roc Nation's strategic expansion through major corporate partnerships, including its landmark agreement with the National Football League (NFL). Under the partnership, Roc Nation advises the NFL on live music entertainment strategy, including the Super Bowl Halftime Show, while supporting the league's ‘Inspire Change’... Desiree Perez is the Chief Executive Officer of Roc Nation, the entertainment company she co-founded with Shawn "JAŸ-Z" Carter. One of the music and entertainment industry's leading executives, she has overseen Roc Nation's expansion from its roots in music into a global enterprise spanning artist management, music publishing, sports, media, philanthropy and brand partnerships.

Working closely with Roc Nation's clients, Desiree develops commercial partnerships and business ventures that extend their brands beyond music. These include Rihanna's FENTY businesses, Megan Thee Stallion's Hot Girl Swim collection and Chicas Divertidas tequila brand, Alicia Keys' collaboration with Hennessy Paradis, and Lil Uzi Vert's campaign with Vans.

Desiree has played a central role in Roc Nation's strategic expansion through major corporate partnerships, including its landmark agreement with the National Football League (NFL). Under the partnership, Roc Nation advises the NFL on live music entertainment strategy, including the Super Bowl Halftime Show, while supporting the league's ‘Inspire Change’ social justice initiative. Desiree also helped launch the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University, extending the company's commitment to education and career development.

Throughout her career, Desiree has led negotiations for major tours, partnerships and business ventures. In recognition of her influence on the music business and artist empowerment, she was named Executive of the Year at the 2019 Billboard Women in Music Awards.

Beyond music, Desiree has executive produced documentary projects focused on criminal justice reform, including Free Meek (2019) and Exposing Parchman (2023). She also oversees Roc Nation's social impact work, collaborating with organizations including REFORM Alliance to advocate for changes to the justice system. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Desiree Perez’s Newsfeed

Rolling Stone

Benito Bowl Bad Bunny’s Road to the Super Bowl: What Led to the Historic Performance

Read more

San Francisco Chronicle

Everything to know about Bad Bunny ahead of Super Bowl 2026

Read more

View News Archive

Desiree Perez’s Background

Roc Nation

Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

Dec 2019 - Present

New York, NY, USA

Desiree Perez stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Roc Nation in 2019. As CEO, she oversees all 14 Roc Nation verticals, including music, publishing, sports agency, business development, philanthropy, touring, and film and TV development.

Roc Nation

Chief Operating Officer & Co-Founder

Jan 2008 - Dec 2019

New York, NY, USA

Roc Nation is a full-service global entertainment company founded in 2008. Headquartered in New York City, the company represents some of the world’s most influential artists, athletes, and industry leaders.

View all Hide

Desiree Perez’s Gallery

Current Board Positions

REFORM Alliance

Finance Committee Board Member

Jan 2019 - Present

Reform Alliance focuses on transforming probation and parole systems to reduce incarceration in the US. It was founded in January 2019 following the unjust imprisonment of recording artist Meek Mill, Reform’s Co-Chair. The non-profit group advocates for legislative changes to create a fairer justice system.

United Justice Coalition

Board Member

2019 - Present

New York, NY, USA

The United Justice Coalition (UJC) is committed to raising awareness about justice-related issues and promoting criminal justice reform. UJC brings together experts across various industries to combine resources and strategies to support communities throughout the United States and conceptualize solutions for advancements to the criminal justice system.

Interviews

Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez On JAŸ-Z’s Historic Yankee Stadium Run, 30 Years With Hova, Lessons Learned From Running Nightclubs

Interviewee

Jul 2026

In this Pollstar executive profile, Desiree Perez reflects on her three-decade partnership with JAŸ-Z and Roc Nation's evolution. She discusses the planning behind JAŸ-Z's Yankee Stadium performances, the culture that underpins Roc Nation, and the leadership philosophy that has shaped her career.

Roc Nation’s Desiree Perez Talks With Telemundo About Bad Bunny’s Historic Super Bowl LX Performance

Interviewee

Feb 2026

In this interview with Telemundo, Desiree Perez discusses Roc Nation's role in selecting Bad Bunny as the Super Bowl LX halftime performer in 2026. She explains why he was chosen, reflects on preparations for the show, and shares her pride in bringing the first solo Latino artist to one of the world's biggest entertainment stages.

View all Hide

Awards & Recognition

Primetime Emmy Award

Winner, 2026

2026

The Primetime Emmy Awards are television's highest honour, presented annually by the Television Academy to recognise excellence across the medium. Desiree served as Executive Producer of The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny, which won Outstanding Variety Special (Live), reflecting her role in shaping one of the most-watched live entertainment moments of the year.

Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players

Honoree

2026

Desiree was included in Billboard’s 2026 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players list, which recognises leading executives and industry figures shaping the genre. Her inclusion reflects her role as CEO of Roc Nation and the company’s continued influence across music, artist development and major live projects.

Billboard Women in Music Hall of Fame

Honoree

2026

Desiree Perez was recognised in the Billboard Women in Music Hall of Fame 2026, honouring her influence as Chief Executive Officer of Roc Nation and her contribution to the music industry.

Billboard Power 100 Leaderboard

Honoree

2026

Desiree was included on the 2026 Billboard Power 100 Leaderboard, which highlights the music industry's most influential executives.

Billboard Power 100 Multisector Executives

Honoree

2026

Included in Billboard's Power 100 Multisector Executives list in 2026, this recognition highlights leaders whose influence extends across multiple areas of the entertainment business. The honor reflects the breadth of Desiree Perez's work in overseeing Roc Nation's operations across music, sports, media, partnerships and related ventures.

Pollstar 2026 Impact 50 Honoree

Honoree

2026

In 2026, Desiree was recognised as a Pollstar Impact 50 Honoree. Selected by Pollstar's editorial team, the annual list recognises leaders whose work has made a significant impact across touring, live events and the wider concert business.

The Gathering for Justice: Harry Belafonte Social Justice Award

Winner

Oct 2025

New York, NY, USA

Desiree Perez was honored with the Harry Belafonte Social Justice Award by The Gathering for Justice in recognition of her visionary leadership, commitment to advancing racial justice, and alignment with Harry Belafonte’s legacy of activism and equity.

Billboard's Multisector R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players 2025

Named

Sep 2025

Desiree was named in Billboard's Multisector R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players initiative, which recognizes influential individuals across the genre's ecosystem, including artists, executives, and professionals.

Billboard's Sports and Music Power Players

Featured

2025

Celebrated for her ongoing leadership and influence in the sports and music industries, Desiree Perez was featured on Billboard’s 2025 roundup of Sports and Music Power Players.

The Webby Awards

Winner: "Book of HOV"

2024

Desiree Perez was an executive producer on the historic "Book Of HOV" exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library, which won a Webby Award for Websites and Mobile Sites, Cultural Institutions in 2024.

45th News & Documentary Emmy® Awards

Nominee: "Exposing Parchman"

2024

New York, NY, USA

In 2024, at the 45th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards, the investigative documentary Desiree Perez executive produced, "Exposing Parchman," received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Documentary.

Billboard's Power 100 Top Executives

Featured

2023

Billboard named Desiree Perez one of the most prominent executives in entertainment for her success in bolstering Roc Nation’s roster and partnership with the National Football League (NFL).

Billboard's R&B and Hip Hop Power Players

Featured

2023

Desiree Perez earned a spot on Billboard’s list of Power Players in R&B and Hip Hop.

Hollywood Reporter's Top 55 Most Powerful Latin Players in Film, TV and Music

Featured

2023

In recognition of the incomparable role Desiree Perez played in establishing Roc Nation’s biggest partnerships with major entertainment and touring organizations, including the NFL Super Bowl Halftime Show. Perez’s work on the Super Bowl Halftime Show led to multiple Emmy nominations and her first win in 2022.

Variety Honors

2021 and 2023 Variety500 Honoree

Desiree Perez was selected as an honoree for the 2021 and 2023 Variety500 — an index compiling the 500 most influential business leaders. She has been recognized for her leadership at Roc Nation, particularly in regard to cultivating its partnership with the NFL and successfully managing some of the biggest names in music and entertainment.

Entrepreneur’s 100 Women of Influence

Featured

2022

Entrepreneur’s October 2022 issue mentioned Desiree Perez as an influential figure in the music and entertainment industry. Speaking about the best advice she’s ever been given, Perez reflected on guidance she received from JAY-Z: “'It's not you. It's the power that you possess.”

Primetime Emmy Award

Winner and Nominee

Desiree Perez has been nominated for five Primetime Emmy awards between 2015 and 2023. Having led the partnership deal between Roc Nation and the National Football League, she has also made history as an executive producer of some of the most notable Super Bowl Halftime Shows. In 2022, Desiree won the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) award for the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show performed by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent.

29th Annual Gridiron Gala

Community Quarterback Award

2022

In 2022, Desiree Perez was the recipient of the Community Quarterback Award at the 29th Annual Gridiron Gala. The gala is hosted in celebration of the over 50 years-long partnership between United Way of New York City and the NFL, and the impactful initiatives they create in underserved NYC communities.

Billboard Women in Music Awards

Winner: Executive of the Year

2019

In 2019, Desiree Perez was honored with the Executive of the Year award at Billboard's Women in Music event. This recognition celebrated her significant contributions to the music industry as COO of Roc Nation. During her acceptance speech, Perez emphasized the importance of courage and hard work, particularly for women in the industry.

View all Hide

Charitable Interests

Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment

2020 - Present

New York, NY, USA

The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University (LIU) is an innovative educational initiative established in partnership with Roc Nation. Students who enroll can pursue undergraduate degrees in music, music technology, entrepreneurship, production, and sports management. The school promotes social justice and provides scholarships to students from underserved communities.

Team Roc

Founder

2019 - Present

Team Roc, the philanthropic arm of Roc Nation, engages in social justice issues, focusing on racial and economic inequality. It supports education, legal justice reform, and community engagement, providing resources and advocacy to empower marginalized communities and drive systemic change.