EMI Latin President and CEO Jose Behar announced today that he will be leaving his position on March 31, the label's 12^th anniversary.

"I felt that it was time to take on new challenges and to continue to grow as a music executive," said Behar. "I feel that I have completed my mission at EMI Latin and am pleased to have started and created one of the leading Latin music labels in the music industry. Our label helped define the term 'bicultural,' being pioneers in the crossover movement and I'm very proud to have been a part of that."

Under Behar's leadership, EMI Latin discovered and/or developed the careers of such acts as Selena, Jon Secada, Kumbia Kings, Los Tucanes De Tijuana and Oscar De La Hoya, among others.

EMI had no Latin label until Behar established EMI Latin as a full-fledged label with A&R, marketing, promotion and sales a dozen years ago. At that time, all EMI Spanish music was licensed to another major. Now, in addition to its headquarters in Los Angeles, the label has offices in New York; San Juan, Puerto Rico; San Antonio, TX; and Miami, FL.

EMI Latin is a leading profit center for EMI Music North America, with marketshare leadership in the regional Mexican market—estimated to account for 60% of all total market sales in Latin music in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

"I have had a great run at EMI, and will always be grateful for having been given the opportunity to build a great record company, which I know will thrive for years to come," said Behar.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jose for his excellent contribution in the creation of EMI's US Latin operation," said EMI Recorded Music President Ken Berry. "After 12 years of solidly building the company I wish him well in his future endeavors."

At press time, Jose's future plans were unknown, although there was some speculation that a prime-time series ("BJ & the Behar"), a children's story ("Goldilocks & the Three Behars") and a daytime talk show (replacing Joy Behar on "The View") were under consideration.