Merlin, the world’s largest and most trusted digital licensing partner for independents, has promoted Chaida Kapfunde to Director, Technology & Business Solutions, now reporting directly to the CEO. Since 2017, Kapfunde has served as Merlin’s Head of Technology and Development, overseeing the organization’s needs in infrastructure and product development and overseeing the engineering team. As head of the department, he leads a growing team of developers that manage and support the rollout of new platforms and tools used by Merlin employees and members alike. In January 2021, the department was rebranded to Technology & Business Solutions to better reflect the value that technology drives and the solutions that it brings.
In 2020 alone, Kapfunde helped to operationalize Merlin’s commercial deal with Apple, integrate Merlin’s systems with new digital partners such as TikTok and Apple Music, and cement the building blocks of Avalon, the internal system that powers the Merlin team in its mission of enabling independents around the world.
“Over the last three years, Merlin has invested in cloud infrastructure and building out an experienced and forward-thinking Technology & Business Solutions team,” said Kapfunde. “It’s exciting to be part of this growth and journey. I look forward to Merlin pushing forward and adding more value to our partners and the independent community through technology and innovation.”
Kapfunde has a deep well of expertise in the world of technology, having spent his career managing technology strategy and delivering bespoke software. Prior to joining Merlin, Kapfunde was EMEA Program Manager for Videology, the UK’s leading video advertising technology solutions provider. There, he managed client-facing and technical programs across EMEA for the company’s largest global client.
He also served as IT Director for digital magazine subscription service Readbug, as well as managing IT business solutions for Jordan Media.
“I’m thrilled with everything that Chaida has accomplished since he joined Merlin, and with this well-deserved recognition,” said Jeremy Sirota, CEO. “The role of technology is central to the value that Merlin brings to its members in helping them maximize their digital partnerships. We’re proud to lead the world in bridging the needs of independents with the ever-increasing role of technology in the music ecosystem.”
Sobre Merlin
Merlin les proporciona a los independientes los medios para ser dueños de su futuro. Merlin es una organización centrada en la música dirigida por sus miembros que ofrece licencias de música digital para los principales independientes de todo el mundo. Los miembros se benefician de los acuerdos premium de Merlin, pero trabajan directamente con los servicios digitales. Nuestra membresía consiste de sellos independientes, distribuidores y otros titulares de derechos, que representan a decenas de sellos y de artistas de todo el mundo. Merlin trabaja en colaboración con nuestros socios digitales, devuelve valor a esos socios y busca generar otros beneficios incrementales para nuestros miembros.
El enfoque de Merlin ha permitido que nuestra membresía crezca hasta representar el 15% de la participación del mercado mundial. La membresía de Merlin incluye independientes como Amuse, Armada Music, AVL Group (incluidos CD Baby, DashGo y FUGA), AWAL, Beggars Group, Cinq Music Group, Dim Mak, DistroKid, Domino, Entertainment One, Epitaph Records, Foundation Media, Kontor New Media, Mad Decent, Monstercat, Mushroom Music, Ninja Tune, [PIAS], Pony Canyon, Secret City, Secretly, Symphonic Distribution, Sub Pop, Ultra Records, Vydia y cientos más.
Merlin now has deals with over 30 digital services, including Alibaba, Apple, AWA, Boomplay, Deezer, Facebook/Instagram, JioSaavn, KKBox, NetEase, Pandora, Snap, SoundCloud, Spotify, Tencent, TikTok, Triller, and YouTube Music, and is in conversations with dozens more.
Merlin tiene oficinas en Londres, Nueva York y Tokio.
Descubra más en www.merlinnetwork.org.
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