Desiree Perez

Director of Operations at The 40/40 Club

Desiree Perez is an influential executive in the entertainment industry who is regarded for her forward-thinking leadership and ethical philanthropy. A Bronx-native, Desiree’s successful career as a businesswoman is the result of her tenacious approach to work, strategic decision-making, and belief in the importance of mentorship. Early on in her professional journey, years before opening The 40/40 Club together, Desiree met JAY-Z when she booked him to perform at one of the New York City nightclubs she managed in the mid-nineties. When JAY-Z opened Baseline Studios in 2000, where he recorded many of his early hits, Desiree utilized her experience in the financial management side of business operations to help Juan Perez handle the studio’s accounting. Knowing she was eager to move on from the nightclub business, Juan approached Desiree with the idea of opening a sports club with JAY-Z, leading to the creation of The 40/40 Club.

Desiree has served as Director of Operations of The 40/40 Club since 2003, when she, Juan, and JAY-Z established its flagship location in Manhattan. In more than twenty years after it was opened, The 40/40 Club has been a highly sought-after venue, attracting thousands of guests and hosting prominent figures like Magic Johnson, Megan Thee Stallion, Beyoncé, and former President Barack Obama. A core member of its leadership team, Desiree has contributed to the evolution of The 40/40 Club, from opening additional locations in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Brooklyn — following the instant popularity and rapid growth of the principal establishment — to attending The 40/40 Club pop-up events at Fanatics Fest in recent years.    

Building off the success of The 40/40 Club, Desiree, JAY-Z, and Juan, alongside Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith and Jay Brown, founded Roc Nation in 2008. First serving as Chief Operating Officer until stepping into her CEO role in 2019, Desiree’s business acumen has guided Roc Nation since its inception. Her ability to influence dynamic growth and transformation, navigate lucrative partnerships, and her fierce loyalty to the organization have been integral to the success of Roc Nation and its clients. Desiree was pivotal in negotiating Rihanna’s sponsorship with Puma and Samsung, as well as JAY-Z’s 10-year, $200 million touring deal with Live Nation. Parallel to her client work, she played a key part in leading Roc Nation’s partnership with the National Football League (NFL) in 2019.

As part of the NFL agreement, Roc Nation became an advisor to the organization’s social justice activism, one of the many causes Desiree advocates for in her personal life and professionally through Team Roc, the humanitarianism division of Roc Nation. Utilizing the resources and network of Team Roc, Desiree pursues philanthropic endeavors through which she champions probation reform, inclusivity, and racial equity. Additionally, Desiree furthers the work of Team Roc through her involvement with other nonprofit organizations; she is a United Justice Coalition board member and maintains a board membership to REFORM Alliance. 

Desiree’s powerful impact within Roc Nation and accomplishments in business have been spotlighted by reputable publications like Billboard, Entrepreneur, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety, on numerous occasions.

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