Former Warner Bros., Showtime Exec Johanna Fuentes Joins HYBE America as Head of Communications and PR (EXCLUSIVE)

HYBE America has appointed seasoned communications executive Johanna Fuentes as its new Executive Vice President and Head of Communications and Public Relations. In this newly established position, she will manage all internal and external communications for the entertainment giant's operations across North and South America. This strategic hire signals HYBE's intensified focus on consolidating its narrative and influence in the Western hemisphere, a move that industry analysts suggest is crucial for competing with established U.S.-based entertainment conglomerates.

Fuentes brings a formidable track record to HYBE, having most recently provided consultancy to high-profile clients such as Regal Cineworld, Activision, Blumhouse, and Shakira’s "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" world tour. Her extensive background includes serving as Head of Global Communications for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group and as Executive VP of Worldwide Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at Warner Bros. During her tenure there, she played a pivotal role in major initiatives including the launch of the HBO Max streaming platform and navigating the studio's strategic shift to same-day theatrical and digital releases—a model heavily tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to Warner Bros., Fuentes spent a decade as EVP of Communications at Showtime Networks and led communications at the Bravo network.

The announcement of Fuentes' appointment was made concurrently with another major executive hire: Ethiopia Habtemariam as President of Music for HYBE America. Fuentes will oversee communications for HYBE's expansive and diverse portfolio in the region, which spans music, film, and television. This includes prominent U.S. labels like Big Machine Label Group, home to country stars like Tim McGraw and Sheryl Crow, and Quality Control Music, known for hip-hop artists such as Lil Baby and Lil Yachty. Her remit also covers HYBE's Latin America and U.S. Hispanic market labels, as well as its broad partnership with Universal Music Group.

"Johanna is a world-class communications leader with an extraordinary track record of guiding companies through moments of growth, transformation and cultural impact," stated Isaac Lee, Chairman and CEO of HYBE America. He emphasized that her strategic vision and deep industry relationships would be invaluable as HYBE expands its footprint across the Americas. Based in Los Angeles, Fuentes will collaborate with HYBE America's senior leadership and the global PR team headquartered in Seoul, South Korea—the home of HYBE's origin and its globally dominant K-Pop acts like BTS and LE SSERAFIM.

"I’m thrilled to join HYBE America at a defining moment for both the company and the global music industry," Fuentes commented. She noted HYBE's unique position in building a "next-generation entertainment model" rooted in culture and fandom, expressing eagerness to help craft a cohesive narrative for the company's growth. This expansion extends beyond music; HYBE's arsenal includes film and TV projects, such as an untitled K-Pop film directed by Benson Lee, currently in production with Paramount. With a roster that now also includes newly signed management client Tyla, the 2024 Grammy winner, HYBE America is positioning itself as a multifaceted entertainment powerhouse, with Fuentes tasked at shaping its public story.