Distinguished Alumni
James Lopez
Awarded 2016
Although he hasn’t played football since his days as a wide receiver for the Bearkats, James Lopez has been scoring touchdowns in the entertainment industry for more than 20 years.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1991 as a first-generation American to Peruvian parents. He landed his first job at Madonna’s record label, Maverick Records, where he was able to enhance his skills. This opportunity led him to Atlantic Records, where he worked as senior director of marketing before being promoted to senior vice president of marketing.
He has played an instrumental role in developing and overseeing the marketing campaigns for many platinum artists, including T.I., Bruno Mars, Flo Rida, Sean Paul, and B.o.B.
“In my opinion, James has distinguished himself through personal and professional achievements and has brought honor and distinction to our university,” a nominator said.
Lopez then transitioned from music to film and joined Screen Gems, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, in 2010. In this position, he oversaw some of the company’s highest-grossing projects, such as “Think Like a Man,” “Think Like A Man Too,” and “The Wedding Ringer.”
He was named one of 2013’s the Imagen Foundation’s Most Powerful and Influential Latinos in Entertainment for 2012, 2013 and 2014 and spoke as a featured guest at the Hollywood Black Film Festival. He also was featured in Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 issue in 2014.
Lopez recently was named head of motion pictures for Will Packer Productions, where he is responsible for developing and overseeing production on all film projects through the company’s first look deal with Universal Pictures.
He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Andrea, and children Hannah and Victoria.