Warner Chappell Music Boosts Música Mexicana Growth With Carlos Ruiz at the Helm

Warner Chappell Music has appointed Carlos Ruiz as the new head of its expanding música mexicana division, positioning the genre for further growth, Billboard has exclusively learned. Ruiz, who has been managing director of WCM Mexico since 2018, will oversee the publisher's operations and creative strategy across Mexico and the U.S., reporting directly to Gustavo Menéndez, president of U.S. Latin and Latin America.

Delia Orjuela, head of creative, Mexican music, will support Ruiz and collaborate with WCM's Mexico and Miami teams.

Ruiz's appointment comes as Mexican music continues its rapid expansion in the U.S. and global markets. According to Luminate's 2025 mid-year report, regional Mexican was the second-fastest-growing U.S. music subgenre, with consumption up 32.95% year-over-year. Overall, Latin music generated 59.4 billion U.S. on-demand audio streams, a 7.8% increase from the first half of 2024. Mexico ranked No. 3 globally in total streaming volume during the period.

Under Ruiz's leadership, the publisher plans to identify new talent, establish partnerships, and broaden opportunities for songwriters working in Mexican and Mexican-influenced music spaces. The roster includes acclaimed artists such as Natanael Cano, Alemán, El Malilla, El Bogeto, Justin Morales, Máxima Ventaja, and Óscar Maydon, whose label Rico o Muerto features in the team.

Ruiz, with 35 years of experience in the music industry, began his career at Warner Music Group in 1991 and previously held roles at Peerless-MCM and Disa Records, overseeing both Mexican and U.S. operations.