Merlin Congratulates Kaoruko Hill on Appointment as General Manager of APAC
September 15, 2024 — Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors, is pleased to welcome back Kaoruko Hill as Merlin’s General Manager of APAC. With her extensive experience and deep understanding of the music rights and licensing landscape in the region, Kaoruko is exceptionally well-suited to lead Merlin in its mission to foster innovation and collaboration across the Asia-Pacific music industry.
Kaoruko Hill has a distinguished career in digital music, spanning over a decade. Most recently, she served in the Music Data & Rights Management team at ByteDance, where she played a pivotal role in managing global music rights for the platform. Prior to ByteDance, Kaoruko made significant contributions to Merlin during her tenure from 2016 to 2020 as Head of Member Relations and Operations at Merlin’s Japan office. Her leadership was instrumental in Merlin’s successful entry into the Japanese market, significantly increasing membership and forging strong partnerships.
“We are incredibly proud of Kaoruko’s achievements and her well-deserved appointment as General Manager of APAC,” said Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin. “Her expertise, strategic vision, and deep commitment to the music industry make her the ideal leader to drive our efforts in the Asia-Pacific market forward, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make.”
Kaoruko’s journey in the music industry also includes her time at the Japanese music copyright collective (formerly JRC, now NexTone Inc.), where she focused on new media licensing and global partner relations. A member of The Copyright Law Association of Japan, Kaoruko has also worked as a consultant in music rights and licensing, further cementing her reputation as a leader in the field.
“As Kaoruko steps into her new role, Merlin remains committed to supporting the most significant independently owned music rights holders in the Asia-Pacific region and globally,” said Jim Mahoney, SVP, Member & Partner Success, Merlin. “Kaoruko’s leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the values and mission of Merlin to build an ethical, sustainable, and indie-centric world. Her passion for working with creative companies will ensure Merlin continues to deliver value and innovate for our members.”
About Merlin
Merlin is the independent’s digital music licensing partner. We’ve negotiated premium deals with Apple, Facebook, Spotify, TikTok, YouTube, and 40 other innovative platforms around the world. Our global membership is from 68 countries around the world, representing 15% of the recorded music market. We are independent record labels, distributors, label services companies, and other rightsholders. Merlin operates for the benefit of its members, without investors looking for an exit, and is funded entirely by our low 1.5% admin fee. Merlin helps the world’s leading independents to own their digital business through world-class deals and white-glove support.
Merlin’s membership includes independents such as AMUSE, Armada Music, Avex Digital, AudioSalad, Bandai Namco, Beggars Group, Better Noise, CD Baby and Downtown Music (including FUGA), Cinq Music Group, CONSALAD, Curb Records, Danger Crue, DFSB Kollective, Domino, Epitaph Records, Evolution Limited, For Life Music Entertainment, Fluxus, Hip Land Music, IDOL, JSJ International Entertainment, Kontor New Media, Mad Decent, Marvelous, MNRK Music Group, Mushroom Music, Musicyes Ltd., Ninja Tune, Nippon Columbia Co., One Digital Entertainment, Pony Canyon, Redeye, Rightsscale, SDR, Secret City, Secretly, Sound Republica, Starbase, Symphonic Distribution, Sub Pop, and hundreds more.
Find out more at www.merlinnetwork.org
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Crystal Henderson
The Press House
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