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.”
Merlinとは
マーリンは無所属に彼らの未来を所有する手段を提供します。 Merlinは、メンバー主導の音楽中心の組織であり、世界中の主要な独立系企業にデジタル音楽ライセンスを提供しています。メンバーはマーリンのプレミアムディールの恩恵を受けますが、主要なデジタルパートナーと直接連携します。私たちのメンバーシップは、独立したレーベル、ディストリビューター、その他の権利所有者で構成されており、世界中のあらゆる国の数万のレーベルと数十万のアーティストを代表しています。 Merlinは、デジタルパートナーと協力して作業し、それらのデジタルパートナーに価値を還元し、メンバーに他の段階的なメリットをもたらすことを目指しています。
マーリンのアプローチにより、メンバーシップは世界市場シェアの15%を表すように成長することができました。 Merlinのメンバーシップには、Amuse、Armada Music、AVL Group（CD Baby、DashGo、FUGAを含む）、AWAL、Beggars Group、Cinq Music Group、Dim Mak、DistroKid、Domino、Entertainment One、Epitaph Records、Foundation Media、KontorNewなどの独立系企業が含まれます。 Media、Mad Decent、Monstercat、Mushroom Music、Ninja Tune、[PIAS]、Pony Canyon、Secret City、Secretly、Symphonic Distribution、Sub Pop、Ultra Records、Vydia、その他数百。
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はロンドン、ニューヨーク、東京にオフィスを構えています。
詳細は、 www.merlinnetwork.org.
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