Abaroa to head Latin Grammys

Mexican attorney and musician Gabriel Abaroa is expected to be named today as the new president of the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, the organization that sponsors the Latin Grammy Awards.

Abaroa will be based at the academy’s headquarters in Miami, where he’ll lead an expanded staff, including Marya Meyer, in charge of communications, and Ignacio Meyer (no relation), director of business development.

Abaroa, a songwriter, record producer and former label executive, will become the third head of the Latin Academy, which was launched in 1999 by the Santa Monica-based National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences. He faces the challenge of restoring momentum to the Latin awards ceremony, which has faced political protests over the participation of Cuban musicians, poor TV ratings and a cancellation in its second year because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Industry sources say this year’s fourth annual awards show may be moved for the first time from Los Angeles to Miami. An announcement about the show’s date and venue is due shortly.