Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG), today announced the appointment of David Checa as Managing Director, WCM Colombia. Reporting to Gustavo Menéndez, President, U.S. Latin & Latin America, WCM, Checa will support and elevate a powerhouse regional roster, including Bull Nene, CASTA, Vicente García, Santiago Cruz, Juan Pablo Vega, Piso 21, and TIMØ, among many others.
Checa joins the company from the independent publisher ONE Publishing, where he served as Global Head of Publishing and Rights Management. In his new role, he will oversee WCM’s operations in one of Latin America’s most influential music markets.
David Checa said: “After twenty years at the intersection of rights and leadership, I’ve learned that beyond managing catalogs, our role is to bridge legacy with innovation. I am very excited to apply this experience at Warner Chappell, where we can leverage the unique momentum of Latin American music on a macro level.”
Gustavo Menéndez, President, U.S. Latin & Latin America, WCM added: “I’ve known David Checa for many years, and it’s a pleasure to officially welcome him as Managing Director in Colombia. David brings a deep understanding of the market, strong leadership, and a genuine passion for the business and the creative community. I’m thrilled to be working closely with him in this new chapter for our Colombian office.”
Guy Moot and Carianne Marshall, Co-Chairs of WCM, conclude: “David is a seasoned professional who understands both the art and the business of music publishing. As Colombia’s influence on the global charts continues to grow, we’re confident that David is the right person to lead our operations and champion our writers in this vital market. We’re delighted to have him on board.”
A highly regarded figure in the Latin American rights landscape, Checa brings over two decades of industry experience. His distinguished career includes a ten-year tenure as CEO for both the Ecuadorian Authors Society (SAYCE) and the Ecuadorian neighbouring rights’ society (SOPROFON), alongside serving as President of ACODEM, the Colombian music publishers’ association. Previously, Checa led Sony Music Publishing’s operations across Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Central America (excluding Mexico).
