Desiree Perez

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Roc Nation

Desiree Perez has been a core member of Roc Nation since co-founding it in 2008. Prior to stepping into her current position as CEO in 2019, Desiree served as Chief Operating Officer. Within her executive leadership roles, Desiree is an essential guiding force behind the ongoing evolution of Roc Nation — from its inception to its present-day position at the forefront of the entertainment industry.

A Bronx native, Desiree began her career in entertainment in nightlife management in New York City. Through her early work managing nightclubs, she was first introduced to JAY-Z. 

Deeply devoted to the success of Roc Nation and its clients, Desiree has a hand in executing every major deal, building massive partnerships for the brand and brokering lucrative sponsorships for clientele. She was a key part of the groundbreaking collaboration between Roc Nation and the National Football League (NFL), leading to Roc Nation orchestrating Super Bowl Halftime Shows, starting in 2019. Her involvement in producing the Super Bowl Halftime Show has not only led to a complete revamp of the annual musical event but also a historic Emmy award; in 2022, Desiree became the first Executive Producer to win an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Live). 

While at Roc Nation, Desiree has executive produced sold-out tours for multiple music icons, including Lil Uzi Vert, Alicia Keys, and Megan Thee Stallion. Her executive producer credits also include “The Book Of HOV: A Tribute to JAY-Z" exhibit, which was held at the Brooklyn Public Library and won a Webby award in 2024. Additionally, she assisted in launching the Brooklyn-based Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University. The school, which was created in collaboration by Roc Nation and Long Island University, equips students with hands-on experience and a network of professional contacts as they pursue undergraduate degrees in music, music technology, entrepreneurship and production, and sports management.

Desiree’s efforts within and outside of Roc Nation are continuously recognized across the music and entertainment industry. In 2019, at the Billboard Women In Music Awards, she won Executive of the Year, and her name is regularly featured on lists of notable industry leaders by esteemed publications. Desiree was named a Variety500 Honoree in 2021 and 2023, and has been included on Entrepreneur’s 100 Women of Influence in 2022, Billboard’s Power 100 Top 30 Executives Of 2023 and Power 100 Multisector Executives Of 2023, Hollywood Reporter's 2023 Top 55 Most Powerful Latin Players in Film, TV and Music, Hollywood Reporter’s 2024 Touring Power Players, and Billboard’s Music and Sports Top Players for multiple years, including in 2025.

Beyond her executive duties, Desiree gives back to communities by supporting charitable causes and organizations. As Roc Nation’s CEO, she works diligently with the company’s philanthropic division, Team Roc, to address inequities and enact positive change around the world. Desiree was an executive producer of the investigative documentary, Exposing Parchman, which focused on efforts to reform the Mississippi correctional system while documenting the history of Parchman Prison, airing on A&E in 2023. Desiree sits on the Advisory Board for the United Justice Coalition and is a member of the REFORM Alliance Board of Directors. For her contributions toward advocating for underserved communities, Desiree was awarded the Community Quarterback Award at the 29th Annual Gridiron Gala hosted by United Way New York.