Leticia van Riel, the founder of LvR Management and a manager to several prominent electronic music artists, has died following a car accident in Ibiza. Her death was confirmed by colleagues and the artists she represented, prompting tributes from across the industry.
Two Decades in Electronic Music
Born in Brazil, van Riel studied Events Marketing Management at London Metropolitan University before starting her career as a junior agent at MN2S Agency, where she worked with acts including Technotronic, Snap!, and Seamus Haji. She later joined London’s IMD Agency, and her collaboration with Brazilian DJ ANNA deepened her focus on techno.
After moving to Spain in 2015, van Riel gained further experience at Safehouse Management and B4 Bookings. In 2018 she launched LvR Management, concentrating on hands-on, long-term artist development. Over nearly two decades, she helped shape the careers of DJs such as Sama’ Abdulhadi, Miss Monique, ANNA and Wehbba, while also supporting emerging artists through her LvR programme.
Tributes from Artists and Colleagues
IMS (International Music Summit) Ibiza, the electronic music conference where van Riel was a familiar presence, issued a statement honouring her work and legacy.
“She worked tirelessly to open doors for others, share knowledge, build confidence and create opportunities for those finding their way in the industry. Her commitment to helping others grow was a true reflection of who she was… She will be greatly missed by the IMS team and the wider music community.”
Sama’ Abdulhadi, whom van Riel co-managed for seven years, announced on 11 June that she was cancelling her performance at Ireland’s Beyond The Pale festival.
“Following the heartbreaking passing of my co-manager and dear friend, Leticia, I’ve had to make the decision to cancel my performance tomorrow,” she wrote, adding that she needed to be “with my team and loved ones” during “an incredibly painful time for all of us.”
In a subsequent post, Abdulhadi paid further tribute.
“Leticia was one of the most beautiful souls in this world. She wasn’t just my manager she was my friend, my support and my family. We have been through a lot in the past 7 years I really can’t imagine life without her. Everything in life reminds me of her, even the way I prep for a gig reminds me of her. She was always there for everyone.”
Ben Turner, IMS co-founder and van Riel’s co-management colleague, shared his own remembrance.
“Leticia was one of the most positive and effective people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with in this industry. We are all trying to come to terms with it whilst supporting her family as best possible.”
ANNA also posted a heartfelt message on Instagram.
“I am so proud of everything we built together, and how we always made sure the world knew how important we were to each other. ANNA could never have happened without you, and our friendship and journey together became part of that story.”
