Desiree Perez, born and raised in the Bronx, New York, is an award-winning, decades-experienced music industry leader who dedicates her time both personally and professionally to mission-driven projects and altruistic pursuits. She is the co-founder and CEO of Roc Nation, established in 2008 alongside JAŸ-Z (Chairman), Jay Brown (Vice Chairman), Juan Perez (President of Roc Nation Sports), and Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith (President of A&R, Roc Nation). The company’s client catalogue includes Megan Thee Stallion, Rihanna, DJ Khaled, J Balvin, John Legend, Christina Aguilera, Big Sean, A$AP Rocky, Lil Uzi Vert, Endrick, LaMelo Ball, Dez Bryant, Kyler Murray, and Vini Junior.
Desiree’s career in entertainment catapulted after 15 years of managing and operating nightclubs. In addition to her role at Roc Nation, she is the co-founder and director of operations for The 40/40 Club, a luxe sports lounge, developed in 2003 in conjunction with JAŸ-Z and Juan Perez. Her executive presence and leadership style is rooted in making strategic decisions, leveraging creative foresight, prioritizing cultural stewardship, and guiding the legacies of music and sports personalities across a global market. At Roc Nation, Desiree has been an influential change agent — contributing to a track record of generating long-term value for the company’s client roster. She has been at the helm of major sponsorship, endorsement, and business deals, including JAŸ-Z’s 10-year, $200 million touring contract with Live Nation, Rihanna’s beauty and fashion powerhouse FENTY, A$AP Rocky’s AWGE, Megan Thee Stallion’s Chicas Divertidas tequila, and Lil Uzi Vert’s Vans shoe campaign.
In addition to client campaigns, Desiree was a commanding force in the inception of the Roc Nation and NFL partnership that made Roc Nation the league’s Live Music Entertainment Strategists, leading to multiple Emmy nominations and one win for Roc Nation-produced Super Bowl halftime shows — winning a Primetime Emmy for the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show.
Desiree is the recipient of several notable awards and recognitions from industry-leading publications and distinguished organizations, including being named to the Billboard Power 100’s Leaderboard and Multisector sections in 2026. Noted for her philanthropy, Desiree is closely allied with Roc Nation’s global community investment branch, Team Roc, and is a founder and board member for nonprofit organizations REFORM Alliance and the United Justice Coalition.
