Universal Music Mexico Names Alfredo Delgadillo CEO, Targets Continued Growth for ‘Latin Music Culture Around the World’

Longtime Universal Music Group (UMG) higher-up Alfredo Delgadillo has been named CEO and president of Universal Music Mexico effective immediately.

The Big Three label today announced the appointment, with the EMI vet Delgadillo having served as MD of Universal Music Mexico since 2017.

In the expanded role, Delgadillo will keep on leading Universal Music Mexico and begin overseeing the operations of Fonovisa Records as well as Disa Records, per the overarching Universal Music.

As described by UMG, Delgadillo was during his tenure as MD of Universal Music Mexico “instrumental” in developing homegrown acts such as Mon Laferte (who was born in Chile but has for some years been based in Mexico) and Caloncho. Additionally, the professional has bolstered the domestic commercial results of projects from Taylor Swift, J. Balvin, Luis Fonsi, Metallica, and others, the major label highlighted.

Mexico City-based Delgadillo, who first signed on with Universal Music back in 1998, will in the just-disclosed role report to Universal Music Latin America and Iberian Peninsula CEO Jesús López.

Addressing the news, Delgadillo emphasized the rapid growth attributable to both Mexican music and the broader Latin space.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and the trust that has been placed in me throughout my career and now in this new professional challenge,” Delgadillo communicated in part. “The support of the entire UMG team will be integral to continuing to make history and furthering Latin music culture around the world.”

And in remarks of his own, López touted the “extensive experience” and varied career achievements of Delgadillo.

“Alfredo is an executive with extensive experience in all fields of entertainment, including Records, Management and Touring,” indicated the 68-year-old López. “He has incredible leadership capacity and a great track record of developing and integrating young executives into his teams. These are among the many reasons for his ongoing success at Universal Music Mexico. I wish him every success in his new mission within the company. He has the support of our entire team.”

Of course, Delgadillo’s start as Universal Music Mexico president and CEO has arrived only days after Virgin Music Group revealed the buyout of Saban Music Latin. As part of the deal, UMG-owned Virgin has added to its catalog the rights to a number of commercially well-known Latin efforts.

Plus, Virgin said that it intends to sign and release projects from certain Saban Music Latin acts. While the purchasing party has already ripped down Saban’s website and socials, the latter company’s roster appears to include the likes of Chesca, Loyal Lobos, Kyen Es, and YoGambii, with connections to Don Omar and others via distribution pacts.