Laras Corrals Executive Duo

In an effort to bolster the Latin Recording Academy's profile as it readies the inaugural Latin Grammy Awards, veteran music executive and songwriter Mauricio Abaroa has been named senior vp and executive director and Erik Sorensen tapped as managing director of the organization.

The Latin Grammys have been moved up and are now slated to take place in fall 2000. No host city has been named, but sources said the likely location is New York or Miami.

Abaroa was LARAS' first executive director from 1997-98 and has served in creative and production positions at Claps Producciones and Diagonal Producciones. He also has worked as A&R director at Warner Music Mexico, personal and business manager for Luis Miguel and general manager at BMG Latin.

Songs written and produced by Abaroa have been covered by artists including Christian Castro, Olga Tanon, Flans, Daniela Romo, Lupita D' Alessio, Mimi and Alissa.

Sorensen has an administrative and marketing background, having opened the Latin American regional office in Miami for International Management Group, where he served as director of Latin American operations. Before that, Sorensen spent nine years as director of business development at the Latin American divisions of major multinational corporations ITW and Emerson.

"Mauricio and Erik are a dynamic and complementary team who are dedicating themselves to continuing LARAS' rapid growth and cultural mission," Recording Academy and LARAS president and CEO Michael Greene said. "They are community builders, innovative thinkers, experienced professionals and most of all enthusiastic partners dedicated to making the Latin Academy a potent service organization to its members. LARAS has bumped up its timetable on both its service mission and the fall 2000 Latin Grammy Awards."

Abaroa has served as a consultant since stepping down as LARAS executive director to concentrate on other responsibilities.

LARAS also appointed Aida Scorza as awards director and Brenda Alba as project manager.