About - Merlin

Life At Merlin 

Mission Driven

Merlin was founded in 2008 as a means for the independent music sector to secure their digital futures.

We’re a mission-driven organization, with our entire international team aligned with a singular goal:

Ensuring the world’s leading independents have access to the deals, tools, and opportunities to succeed in the digital marketplace.

Our Values

Enable Independence

  • Our top priority is helping our members stay independent while competing with the largest music companies in our industry.

Celebrate our Achievements and Our Members’ Achievements

  • We celebrate our members’ teams, music, and accomplishments.
  • Making space to celebrate our achievements amidst our daily grind keeps us centered and enables us to accomplish more.

Build a Culture of
Shared Ownership

  • We all contribute to the success of Merlin and in driving value to our members.

Our Culture

Global Mindset

At Merlin, having a Global Mindset is defined by more than just hiring talent worldwide. We foster a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative environment by recruiting culturally additive individuals who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to our organization.

Growth & Development

We’re invested in our people and celebrate learning, curiosity, and development through continuing education. We empower our employees by providing them with the resources to embrace new challenges, while giving them the flexibility to take ownership of their journey.

Distributed Work

We believe that an important piece of having a global mindset is supporting a flexible work environment that empowers our employees to perform at their best. This furthers our ability to best support our members. 

For this reason, Merlin has implemented a distributed work approach that enables our employees to make prudent decisions about a workstyle that is most productive to them. We provide our people with the necessary tools and resources to seamlessly connect with their team members, Merlin members, and our partners, whether remote or in-person.

We also understand the importance of in-person connection beyond just collaboration, but also as a means to build understanding and empathy for each other. This is why teams regularly engage in cross functional meetups, enjoy shared experiences at conferences, and host team outings.

Finally, we are dedicated to creating an environment that makes it possible for our employees to thrive in their work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

The Merlin Team

Meet the talented and dynamic team behind Merlin who operate under one mission – Enabling and supporting members in the ever-evolving music industry.

Adam Wright CFO United Kingdom

Akira Nomoto GM, Japan & SEA Japan

Annie Eagland Financial Accountant United Kingdom

Apostolos Koutronas Software Developer United Kingdom

Bela Zecker Director, Membership Development & Engagement United States

Caitie Sarnie Technical Operations Manager United States

Chaida Kapfunde Senior Director, Technology & Business Solutions United Kingdom

Charlie Lexton COO United Kingdom

Chris Tarbet Senior Director, Commercial Partnerships United Kingdom

Daniele Yandel Manager, Member & Partner Success United States

Emma Cooper Paralegal, Business and Legal Affairs United Kingdom

Emma Robinson Director, Member Operations United Kingdom

Grace Styles Senior Finance Assistant United Kingdom

Hasan Ali Finance Assistant United Kingdom

James Choo Finance Manager United Kingdom

Jeremy Sirota CEO United States

Jim Mahoney SVP, Member & Partner Success United States

Joe Danher Manager, Member & Partner Success United Kingdom

Joseph Cortes Royalty Reporting Coordinator United Kingdom

Katie Eckett Manager, Business & Legal Affairs United Kingdom

Kyle Elwin Senior Manager, People & Culture United States

Mariah Mu Coordinator, Member and Partners Thailand

Marta de la Hoz Director, Business Analytics United Kingdom

Matt Rose Marketing Manager United States

Melanie Zacks Product Manager United Kingdom

Mili Payne Royalty Reporting Coordinator United Kingdom

Nick Cashmore Senior Reporting Manager United Kingdom

Nico Loubser Lead Software Developer United Kingdom

Pavan Vasdev Director, Strategy & Growth United States

Poppy Waring Manager, Member & Partner Success United Kingdom

Quentin Martins Senior Manager, Commercial Partnerships United Kingdom

Rosie Reeves Senior Reporting Coordinator United Kingdom

Ryan McWhinnie Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs United Kingdom

Savannah Puleston Global Administrator United Kingdom

Shannon Bradley Member Relations & Commercial Partnerships Manager United States

Shrina Patel Senior Director, Business and Legal Affairs United Kingdom

Simon Marcel Coordinator, Member & Partnerships United Kingdom

Skyler Desuze Coordinator, Member & Partnerships United States

Tom White Technical Data Specialist United Kingdom

Vincent Moyo Head of Finance United Kingdom

Name

Adam Wright

About

Joining the record industry 15 years ago for the music then falling in love with the business, his passion is helping creative people fulfill their entrepreneurial potential. A 25 year finance career detouring through film, TV and music publishing before recorded music, including executive roles at Universal and Sony. It’s now an absolute privilege to be working to support independents across the breadth of the Merlin membership.

Role

CFO

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Akira Nomoto

About

Joined in 2019 (before Merlin, worked at Sony Music, iTunes Japan and Spotify). Passionate about activating trade between the Japanese and global music industries! First live concert: RC Succession.

Role

GM, Japan & SEA

Location

Japan

Name

Annie Eagland

About

Merlin has improved my music appreciation beyond all recognition! Love cooking, walking, gardening and playing tennis. New skill acquired this year: kayaking on the river amongst the swans, beautiful.

Role

Financial Accountant

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Apostolos Koutronas

About

Flew from Greece, and driven by my passion for solving problems with powerful tools, landed in Merlin where we build innovative solutions for the music industry. Love a good riddle and a good salsa! First album ever purchased is Green Day – American idiot, and of course if I’m not in the office you’ll probably find me either chatting with friends or on the dance floor!

Role

Software Developer

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Bela Zecker

About

Since 2009, I’ve enjoyed trying on many different industry hats, including as a music journalist, senior project and events manager, artist manager, indies rep at a DSP, and label manager. My favorite of all has been at Merlin, where I work cross-functionally to develop processes and support the membership and the organization. Outside of work, I love to cook, bootleg digestivi, travel, read and stimulate all of the senses in my current home of NYC.

Role

Director, Membership Development & Engagement

Location

United States

Name

Caitie Sarnie

About

I’m a classically trained violist who fell backwards into the music industry nearly 13 years ago. I fell in love with exploring, understanding, and democratizing content and metadata and have never looked back. I’m often filling my time outside of work with buying too many records, baking, or making questionable crafts with my kids.

Role

Technical Operations Manager

Location

United States

Name

Chaida Kapfunde

About

Over 15 years’ experience in the tech world as a software developer, programme manager and leading an organisations technical strategy. I’ve also always had a passion for creativity, finding ways to express myself through music and writing code.

Role

Senior Director, Technology & Business Solutions

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Charlie Lexton

About

A commercially oriented and financially astute entertainment industry executive with a proven track record in complex and high value transactions. Instrumental in executing the start-up and development of Merlin. A long term participant in the transformation of the music industry from a physical to digital business, leading negotiations and managing relationships with the world’s leading independent digital platforms. Extremely experienced and effective negotiator. Recognised by Billboard magazine as one of the music industry’s “Digital Power Players”. Featured in Variety Magazine’s entertainment industry Dealmakers Impact Report 2022.

Role

COO

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Chris Tarbet

About

Long time music-obsessive, record collector, promoter and technology geek. Forever thankful to have the opportunity to turn these passions into a career and proud to work with the incredible breadth of music that passes through the Merlin membership.

Role

Senior Director, Commercial Partnerships

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Daniele Yandel

About

Formerly a recording and touring musician and label co-founder who’s happy to still be working in independent music, donning a new hat here at Merlin. I love poetry, sci-fi, thrifting, and long walks through Queens in search of delicious foods.

Role

Manager, Member & Partner Success

Location

United States

Name

Emma Cooper

About

Full-time music lover and part-time law student, I am fortunate to be able to pursue a career that merges two of my passions. Hailing from South Africa, my music taste stretches from Kwaito to Kurt Cobain and everything in between. When I’m not working or studying, you can find me watching (and rewatching) Ru Paul’s Drag Race or cooking up a storm.

Role

Paralegal, Business and Legal Affairs

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Emma Robinson

About

A childhood obsession with only tolerating music made 20+ years before I was born, I’ve luckily broadened my music tastes quite a lot since then and am known for keeping extensive lists of my favourite new artists. I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to celebrate independence on a daily basis and love working with our fantastic members. When I’m not at work, you can find me down the pub.

Role

Director, Member Operations

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Grace Styles

About

I am a finance graduate with an incredibly broad music taste. You’ll find me listening to anything from pop to southern rock to musical soundtracks, and everything in between. When I’m not at work I enjoy trying new restaurants and cocktail bars, or going on forest walks with my dog.

Role

Senior Finance Assistant

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Hasan Ali

About

An Accounting and Finance Graduate who joined Merlin in September 2022. Working in the Media industry for many years as an Accounts Assistant, it was time to experience a different sector. I’ve been listening to Music since the age of 13 with my favourite genre being British hip hop. In my spare time I’m either at the gym, playing football or at home watching movies/series.

Role

Finance Assistant

Location

United Kingdom

Name

James Choo

About

Picked up a guitar at 15 and now almost have more guitars than I have fingers! Avid foodie and wannabe home cook so I’m always in the kitchen rustling something up. I enjoy many genres but I’m usually nodding to metal or prog. Outside of the office you can find me hunting around for a good restaurant or at a badminton session.

Role

Finance Manager

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Jeremy Sirota

About

While he was raised on the beaches of Southern California, Jeremy’s role at Merlin weaves together his lifelong passions for music and technology. As CEO of Merlin, Jeremy leads a global organization that helps enable independents to own their future. Prior to Merlin, he held senior roles at Warner Music and the Facebook music team, and was a technology lawyer at Morrison & Foerster.

Role

CEO

Location

United States

Name

Jim Mahoney

About

Jim Mahoney is Merlin’s SVP of Member and Partner Success. He originally joined the team in 2014 to establish the organization’s North American office. An indie lifer, Mahoney’s career includes roles as VP of A2IM, Board member of SoundExchange and senior executive positions at Fat Beats Records & Distribution, Roadrunner Records and Profile Records. His adult life and career can be directly traced back to the opening moments of Run-DMC’s “Rock Box”.

Role

SVP, Member & Partner Success

Location

United States

Name

Joe Danher

About

In my role, I engage and onboard new Merlin members, support our members and partners with integrations and day-to-day content operations, and help members understand and access opportunities within our deals. Before joining Merlin in 2020, I worked in artist management and grant funding. In my own time, I love travelling with my wife and I’m a keen runner, avid LFC supporter, amateur wine enthusiast, and 1/2 of a composition and production duo ‘bloodmoon’.

Role

Manager, Member & Partner Success

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Joseph Cortes

About

I began playing drums at the age of 8, later learning to play guitar, which grew my interest in music production. Most nights you will find me recording music or binge watching the latest Netflix series. I am always on the lookout for interesting music gear.

Role

Royalty Reporting Coordinator

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Katie Eckett

About

Katie joined the Business and Legal Affairs team in early 2020. She has a lifelong passion for rock and heavy metal and is committed to support and empower the independent music community. Outside of the office you’ll often find her at a heavy metal gig, cycling, gardening, or engrossed in her latest art project.

Role

Manager, Business & Legal Affairs

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Kyle Elwin

About

Role

Senior Manager, People & Culture

Location

United States

Name

Mariah Mu

About

Mariah has a background as a leading vocalist in an indie-pop band, The Kopycat, combined with the music industry professional experiences based in Bangkok, Thailand. After pursuing a master in Global Entertainment and Music Business at Berklee Valencia, her passion is now to be a great supporter of artists and foster the music industry in Southeast Asia!

Role

Coordinator, Member and Partners

Location

Thailand

Name

Marta de la Hoz

About

Trained in economics and film I somehow landed in the independent music industry 8 years ago. In Merlin I found a place where I can help the independents achieve their goals through the power of data, insight and analytics. Love a good spreadsheet, sci fi films (or any genre for that matter) and playing sports.

Role

Director, Business Analytics

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Matt Rose

About

With a background in independent label management and music creator advocacy, I love working with music creators, artists, and organizations to help build a more equitable and sustainable music industry through education and marketing initiatives. Outside of the office you can find me biking around New York or composing music for film and theatre.

Role

Marketing Manager

Location

United States

Name

Melanie Zacks

About

I have always had a passion for creativity and tech, in the product space is where these two can harmonise beautifully. Born and raised in South Africa, and now living on the South Coast of England. I love the outdoors and when I am not obsessing about product and processes, you will find me on the beach, pottering in the garden, or out walking the dog.

Role

Product Manager

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Mili Payne

About

Music has been a passion of mine since competing in the Welsh Eisteddfod throughout my school years. A recent university graduate eager to learn more about the industry at Merlin. When I’m not immersing myself in music you’ll find me swimming, running or with my head in a book.

Role

Royalty Reporting Coordinator

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Nick Cashmore

About

I moved to London in 2015 to undertake a Creative & Cultural Entrepreneurship MA, specialising in music. My first steps into the music industry were in the form of production work before a redirection into royalties and, then, music publishing. I love to write and produce music with a particular focus on various electronic and cinematic genres, whereas old school hip hop and drum and bass probably make up the majority of my listening time.

Role

Senior Reporting Manager

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Nico Loubser

About

Loves creating software that deals with those issues that takes up all of your time. Can sometimes be found mudlarking on the banks of the Thames, looking for great dive spots along the coast or just searching for fossils.

Role

Lead Software Developer

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Pavan Vasdev

About

Started out on piano, then found my way to the cello, guitar, and drums. Began my career playing guitar for a Bollywood singer. Love scheming up new ideas to support creatives. Find me on a mountain bike or lost in a history book when I’m not in the office.

Role

Director, Strategy & Growth

Location

United States

Name

Poppy Waring

About

I came to Merlin just after graduating from university, with the hopes it was the perfect place for a music label nerd wanting to make some first steps in the music industry. I’ve now dabbled in a few different roles before settling down in our Commercial Partnerships team. After work, find me at a gig (perhaps even on stage), or reading a heavy book on cultural studies.

Role

Manager, Member & Partner Success

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Quentin Martins

About

As an expert in the YouTube environment, I help members maximise the value of their usage of the platform and its CMS.

Role

Senior Manager, Commercial Partnerships

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Rosie Reeves

About

An Excel turned Alteryx fanatic and a geek for the detail. I love leading the Royalty team in improving processes and data quality for our independent members! I’m a creative who enjoys songwriting and crocheting weird and wonderful objects. Listening to Fontaines D.C.’s Dogrel album on repeat.

Role

Senior Reporting Coordinator

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Ryan McWhinnie

About

Ryan joined the Merlin business and legal affairs team in 2014 and is dedicated to helping independents achieve best in class deals. Best gig: dancing to a frenzied drum watching RATM in Lisbon, 2008. First album: Cool Runnings soundtrack.

Role

Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Savannah Puleston

About

Growing up in Camden Town to say that my playlist selection is broad would be an understatement. Die-hard Amy Winehouse fan (especially when I’m doing housework!) When I’m not in the office, find me getting a tattoo listening to Training day – Potter Payper.

Role

Global Administrator

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Shannon Bradley

About

I’m a lifelong music lover & started my music industry career at Glassnote Records in 2018 where I worked as a digital production coordinator turned project manager until April 2021. Extracurricular activities include watching old episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, cry-singing to Phoebe Bridgers’ album Punisher & ordering overpriced Thai food at least once a week.

Role

Member Relations & Commercial Partnerships Manager

Location

United States

Name

Shrina Patel

About

Finding identity through music one track at a time. From playing Indian classical music to discovering UK garage as a teenager, and everything in between. Can be found wandering around an arts and crafts shop or trying out a new recipe.

Role

Senior Director, Business and Legal Affairs

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Simon Marcel

About

I’m a curious multi-potential creative who grew up playing music. According to my Spotify wrapped, I’ve spent 83,118 minutes listening to music last year. I’m a strong defender of underrepresented groups in the music industry, and I work towards having a positive impact on the music industry. I try to go to gigs at least once a week.

Role

Coordinator, Member & Partnerships

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Skyler Desuze

About

I’ve been breathing, eating, and sleeping music since I’ve known myself. I picked up the drum sticks and never turned back. Growing up in Brooklyn New York, different flavors of music is something you not only listen to but experience with the different cultures everywhere in the city.

Role

Coordinator, Member & Partnerships

Location

United States

Name

Tom White

About

Trained in maths and passionate about music, I use computer programming to analyse uniquely modern data sets. Having never thought I’d work in music but loving the art form, the opportunity to help independent labels at Merlin feels like the stars lining up. I love books and films, especially the ones with phenomenal soundtracks (ex. A Fistful of Dollars, Local Hero, Spirited Away).

Role

Technical Data Specialist

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Vincent Moyo

About

How it started: finance graduate with zero experience.
How it’s going: experienced finance team leader with knowledge across a diverse group of businesses. At Merlin I get to run the numbers in a context I’m passionate about. I’ve also discovered that the music business is like no other. So the learning continues.
Talk to me about: travel, running, Lebron James and of course finance.

Role

Head of Finance

Location

United Kingdom

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