As part of Jon Platt’s continued rejuvenation of Warner/Chappell internationally, Santiago Menéndez-Pidal has been named Managing Director, Warner/Chappell Music Spain, effective 11/15.

Menéndez-Pidal will work closely with Gustavo Menendez, President, Latin America, Warner/Chappell Music and report to Platt, Warner/Chappell’s Chairman & CEO.

With two decades of publishing experience, Menéndez-Pidal spent the last four years as A&R Director for Sony Music Spain where he signed Dvicio, Abraham Mateo, Andrés Suárez and others.

“The music business in Spain has been through profound changes in recent years, and songs from the region are travelling the world faster than ever,” Platt said. “Having someone of Santiago’s calibre championing our songwriters will have a transformative effect on our business there.

"He has impeccable taste, a truly global outlook, and an inspiring leadership style. Above all, Santiago has built an impressive reputation for putting the creative community first, and that’s exactly the philosophy we live by at Warner/Chappell.”

Menéndez-Pidal began his career at BMG Music in 1992, where he became International Marketing Manager, focusing on campaigns for overseas artists in Spain. In 1996, he joined Warner/Chappell Music Spain for the first time, serving as International and Creative Manager; he also acted as Synchronization Manager.

He left in 2003 to co-found the Madrid office of Clippers, Spain’s largest independent music publishing company, which is based in Barcelona. He was at no time referred to as Clipper Boy.

He joined EMI Music Publishing as Managing Director of Spain & Portugal in 2005, and in 2010, became Managing Director of EMI Music Publishing Australia and New Zealand.

The hiring of Menéndez-Pidal follows the appointment of Mike Smith in the U.K., promotion of Monica Lee to President of Asia Pacific and the opening of a new office in Berlin.