MIAMI, FL. (Latin Recording Academy) - The Latin Recording Academy announced today it has elected songwriter and producer Kike Santander as its new Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Elected by a unanimous vote of his fellow Trustees, Santander succeeds the organization's former Chairman, Manolo Diaz, who will continue to serve on the Board.
"Each and every one of the Trustees gave Kike their total support and commitment to help this organization thrive under his leadership," said Gabriel Abaroa, President of the Latin Recording Academy. "Kike's creative talent and professional background will help us achieve continued success while remaining close to our mission of improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers."
"Due to his longtime involvement and recognition within the music community, and his extraordinary musical talent, Kike has perpetually kept his finger on the pulse of the Latin music world," said Neil Portnow, President of the Recording Academy. "As the new Chairman, his experience and wisdom will help guide the Latin Recording Academy into the future."
Born in Cali, Colombia, Kike Santander is a renowned songwriter and record producer. Working with a wide array of top Latin talent, his songs and productions have been hits for artists such as Marc Anthony, Cristian Castro, Jennifer Lopez, Carlos Santana, Ana Gabriel, David Bisbal, Myriam Hernandez, Alejandro Fernandez, Giselle, Albita Rodriguez, Olga Tanon, Los Tri-o and Chayanne. Now residing in Miami, Santander also has been the recipient of numerous awards such as Latin GRAMMYs, Billboard Latin Music Awards, BMI's Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year, Premios Lo Nuestro, El Heraldo, and TV y Novelas.
"I am extremely pleased to be named to this new role which will allow me to continue serving the Latin Recording Academy in its tireless work of strengthening our cultural ties and highlighting our talents," said Santander. "In my role, I'm given the opportunity to lead a group of music industry colleagues who I admire both personally and professionally. We all take great pride in spotlighting and nurturing all that Latin music has to offer."
The 5th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards will be held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Sept. 1 and will be broadcast domestically by the CBS Television Network from 8-10 p.m. (ET/PT). In addition, the broadcast will also be distributed internationally to more than 100 countries. Nominees will be announced at a July 14 press conference at The Mayan in downtown Los Angeles.
The Latin Recording Academy is an international, membership-based organization comprised of Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking recording artists, musicians, songwriters, producers and other creative and technical recording professionals. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for Latin music and its makers.
In addition to producing the Latin GRAMMY Awards to honor excellence in the recorded arts and sciences, the Latin Recording Academy provides educational and outreach programs for the Latin music community.
