Desiree Perez
Chief Executive Officer of Roc Nation
Desiree Perez is the Chief Executive Officer of Roc Nation and a respected entrepreneur, executive producer, and philanthropist.
Throughout her tenure, she has supported Roc Nation’s elite clientele and been a driving force behind the success of some of the most prominent names in culture — helping music artists, producers, athletes, and media personalities launch and grow their careers, personal brands, and charitable initiatives careers. An accomplished leader in music and entertainment, Desiree continuously strives to push Roc Nation, its clients, and the broader industry to new heights.
Desiree Perez at a Glance
Chief Executive Officer, Roc Nation
Roc Nation
Music, Entertainment, and Sports
Co-Founder; CEO since 2019; previously COO
Artist management, entertainment strategy, business development and live entertainment
Team Roc, REFORM Alliance, United Justice Coalition
Billboard, Pollstar, Variety and other industry honors
Career Timeline
- Co-founded luxe sports bar and lounge The 40/40 Club and became Director of Operations
- Founded Roc Nation with JAŸ-Z, functioning as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer.
- Worked as executive producer for the On the Run Tour: Beyoncé and JAŸ-Z.
- Helped start Roc Nation’s philanthropic arm, Team Roc
- Became Roc Nation’s Chief Executive Officer
- Celebrated as Executive of the Year by Billboard’s Women in Music Awards
- Served as executive producer for the A&E investigative documentary Exposing Parchman
- Was executive producer for The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Starring Kendrick Lamar
- Inducted into the Billboard Women in Music Hall of Fame
- Won a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for her role as executive producer for The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny
About Desiree
Born and raised in Manhattan, Desiree started her career in entertainment by managing nightclubs in New York City. Tasked with booking music acts for the venues she managed, Desiree first encountered JAŸ-Z in 1996 when the club she was running hired him to perform. Years later, a personal introduction at Baseline Studios laid the foundation for a decades-long friendship and professional partnership.
Throughout their business relationship, Desiree has been a guiding light in JAŸ-Z’s rise to the global phenomenon he is today, credited with helping him realize his vision of building an indomitable business empire. Together, they have made history by forging new pathways to success for JAŸ-Z and other breakthrough artists. Desiree was instrumental in his return to the stage in 2026 after an extended hiatus from performing , creating immersive, unforgettable fan experiences that feature his signature style and celebrate anniversaries from his portfolio of work. Deemed JAŸ-Z30 and JAŸ-Z25, for Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint, respectively, these events help usher JAŸ-Z’s legacy into the next chapter at global locations like New York, London, Paris, and Los Angeles.
Their combined innovation and creativity led to the 2003 establishment of the luxury lounge and sports bar, The 40/40 Club, where she serves as Director of Operations. The pinnacle of their partnership was arguably the creation of Roc Nation in 2008. Co-founded by Desiree (CEO), JAŸ-Z (Chairman), Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith (President of A&R), Juan Perez (President of Roc Nation Sports), and Jay Brown (Vice Chairman). Initially begun as a record label, Roc Nation is now a powerhouse of the entertainment industry. The company has not only catapulted the careers of world-renowned artists and athletes, such as Megan Thee Stallion, Rihanna, Robinson Canó and Kevin De Bruyne, but also completely reimagined the realm of opportunities across media industries — with Desiree at its helm, first as Chief Operating Officer and then as Chief Executive Officer since 2019.
Desiree contributed significantly to the Roc Nation/National Football League partnership, installing Roc Nation as the league’s Live Music Entertainment Strategists, helping select acts for Super Bowl halftime shows and other events. Throughout this collaboration, Desiree has earned Primetime Emmy nominations and two wins for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for her role as executive producer of The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent in 2022 and for The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny in 2026.
Awards & Recognition
Perez has been cited by leading music and entertainment publications for her industry leadership, including The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 55 Most Powerful Latin Players in Film, TV and Music in 2023, Entrepreneur’s 100 Women of Influence in 2022, and Pollstar’s 2026 Impact 50
Leadership & Philanthropy
Passionate about giving back to those most in need, Desiree is involved with a number of meaningful causes. She extends her support and time to philanthropic organizations that aim to advance social justice initiatives, using her platform to advocate for the voiceless. She was recognized with the Community Quarterback designation by United Way of New York City in 2022 and the Harry Belafonte Social Justice Award from The Gathering for Justice in 2025.
She is also a board member of REFORM Alliance and United Justice Coalition — both of which work to advance criminal justice reform. Championing her charitable interests through Roc Nation, Desiree helped create the organization’s philanthropic division, Team Roc. Through Team Roc, Desiree and Roc Nation have made positive impacts in underserved communities around the world through activism and humanitarian efforts.
News & Insights
Over the course of her career, Desiree’s contributions to Roc Nation and the entertainment industry have garnered recognition from respected publications.
