EMI Latin music veteran retires

Manolo Diaz, a veteran Latin music exec who used to head up EMI Music Spain but who has more recently been involved in the major's US Latin music operations based out of Miami, has announced he is retiring - a decision that may or may not have been influenced by the high number of executives being axed at EMI at the moment. Referencing one of the label's current big hits, according to Billboard, Diaz said in an email that he planned to return to Spain where he would "start a new stage [of my life] in which I will emphasize hedonistic and pleasurable pursuits. But all in moderation, including moderation. Viva la Vida!"