Desiree Perez

Entertainment Executive Desiree Perez began her career in the music industry in 1992 as the Promoter of Club 2000 alongside John Gungie Rivera, one of the most popular club promoters of this era. Every Thursday and Sunday, the resident DJ’s were Funk Master Flex and Bobby Konders. Many of the popular hip-hop acts of that era, such as the Fu-Schnickens, Cypress Hill, Onyx, Brand Nubian and Naughty by Nature performed live at Club 2000.

Well known for her no-nonsense, tough as nails approach from running five of her own communication stores in the Bronx and upper Manhattan, the owner of Club 2000 thought Desiree the perfect choice to take the establishment to next level. He was right. Desiree’s skills in management and promotions increased revenue for the venue by 75% within the first 6 months. The nightclub became the cultural Hip Hop hot spot of that era; here is where she met her future partner and husband Juan Pérez.

Realizing she had found her calling in the nightlife industry, Desiree went on to manage Club Broadway, Temptations and Power Studios, but it was in 1997 while managing Onyx that she met her future mentor and partner Jay Z.

Desiree worked with Jay Z and Juan Pérez at the well-renowned Hip Hop landmark Baseline Recording Studios, handling all bookings, financials and day-to-day operations.

In 2002, Desiree partnered with Juan Perez and rap mogul Jay Z to open New York City’s most elite sports lounge, 40/40 Club. An establishment frequented by A-list celebrities, word of the 40/40 Club’s popularity spread worldwide, resulting in the opening of the Atlantic City and Las Vegas locations in less than five years. The Las Vegas 40/40 Club’s grand opening was historic, as it would be the first black owned business on the strip of Las Vegas.

As the Director of Operations for all three locations, Desiree conducted all lease negotiations for the multi-million dollar construction projects, and single-handedly facilitated all hiring, management training and promotions.

In 2008, Desiree joined partner Jay Z as Chief Operating Officer of his newest venture, Roc Nation, a full-service entertainment company that manages artists, songwriters, producers and engineers. Roc Nation represents some of the music industry’s most elite, its roster comprised of Shakira, J.Cole, Meek Mill, Angie Martinez, Big Sean and many more.

Desiree has been part of building this empire over the last nine years, and has been a key elemen