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 brands and careers. An accomplished leader in music and entertainment, Desiree continuously strives to push Roc Nation, its clients, and the broader industry to new heights.
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 met JAY-Z. This introduction laid the foundation for what would become a decades-long friendship and professional partnership.
Throughout their business relationship, Desiree has been a guiding light in JAY-Z’s rise to the global phenomenon he is today and is credited for helping him realize his vision of building an indomitable business empire. Together, they have made history by forging new pathways to success for JAY-Z and other breakthrough artists through every remarkable feat they pursued and achieved.
Their combined innovation and creativity led to the 2003 establishment of the luxury lounge and sports bar, The 40/40 Club, followed by Roc Nation in 2008. Co-founded by Desiree, JAY-Z, Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith, Juan Perez, and Jay Brown initially 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, but also completely redefined and reimagined the realm of opportunities across media industries — with Desiree at its helm. Serving as Roc Nation’s Chief Operating Officer until becoming Chief Executive Officer in 2019, Desiree’s influential leadership and impactful expertise are exemplified through the myriad awards and accolades she has received across her long-standing career.
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 is 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.
Roc Nation Management Spotlighted for Client Work
HITS Daily Double commended Roc Nation’s management team for their collective achievements in elevating the careers of celebrated clientele.
Roc Nation’s Investigative Documentary Series Receives Emmy Nomination
The Roc Nation-produced documentary series, “Exposing Parchman,” earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing: Documentary.
Long Island University and Roc Nation Partner on New School
In a historic collaboration, Roc Nation and Long Island University, Brooklyn, established the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment to support students pursuing undergraduate degrees for careers in the entertainment industry.
Desiree Perez Named CEO Following Executive of the Year Award
After being designated Executive of the Year at the 2019 Billboard Women in Music Awards, Desiree Perez was named CEO of Roc Nation.
Roc Nation Management Spotlighted for Client Work
HITS Daily Double commended Roc Nation’s management team for their collective achievements in elevating the careers of celebrated clientele.
Roc Nation’s Investigative Documentary Series Receives Emmy Nomination
The Roc Nation-produced documentary series, “Exposing Parchman,” earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing: Documentary.
Long Island University and Roc Nation Partner on New School
In a historic collaboration, Roc Nation and Long Island University, Brooklyn, established the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment to support students pursuing undergraduate degrees for careers in the entertainment industry.
Desiree Perez Named CEO Following Executive of the Year Award
After being designated Executive of the Year at the 2019 Billboard Women in Music Awards, Desiree Perez was named CEO of Roc Nation.