Manuel Abud
Photo: Omar Cruz
The Latin Recording Academy Appoints Manuel Abud As CEO, Outgoing President/CEO Gabriel Abaroa Jr. To Become President Emeritus
The Latin Recording Academy has announced some changes. On Aug. 1, Manuel Abud will take the reins as the Latin Recording Academy's CEO. Outgoing CEO/President Gabriel Abaroa Jr. will become President Emeritus, assisting with strategic projects and transitioning as well as fulfilling a senior advisory role.
The appointments come "after a reorganization in 2019 that strengthened its leadership team and a successful 2020 in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic," a statement said. The organization is confident the changes will solidify "its future through the execution of its 10-year strategic plan." Abud, an industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience in entertainment, including serving as former CEO of Azteca América, enters the role after holding the COO position at the Latin Recording Academy.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead The Latin Recording Academy," Abud said. "Before coming here in 2019, I had long admired the organization's excellence, and I look forward to building on its rich heritage of supporting and honoring Latin music and ushering in a new era of growth and impact."
Abaroa leaves behind a legacy, but he's excited about Abud's appointment and his own new role. "Leading The Latin Recording Academy has been a very significant part of my professional career and a great foundation for my future endeavors," Abaroa said. "We achieved tremendous progress and growth over the past two decades. I'm eager to transition to a new role that won't be as time consuming and certain that Manuel will take us boldly into our next chapter."
Eduardo Hütt, Chairman of the Latin Recording Academy's Board of Trustees, said Abud is the perfect leader for the organization's next chapter. "Several candidates were considered to replace Gabriel's unique leadership style, and we agreed that Manuel Abud meets the established criteria, excelling in ways that guarantee our organization the leadership required to accomplish its goals over the next decade," he said.
Chair & Interim President/CEO of the Recording Academy Harvey Mason jr. shared words of support for the succession.
"This is a wonderfully executed succession plan," he said. "Having Manuel in the role of COO for two years, where he oversaw the day-to-day operation of the organization, was invaluable in equipping him to lead it now. Manuel is a seasoned executive with an excellent background in content development, distribution and international markets. As he takes the reins, he will benefit from Gabriel's tenure, continued presence and unrivaled passion for this organization."
