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, their high quality 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

Alice Moss Senior Manager, Member Operations Germany

Apostolos Koutronas Senior Developer, Technology and Business Solutions United Kingdom

Bela Zecker Director, Membership Development United States

Ben Sperling Coordinator, Member & Partner Success United States

Caitie Sarnie Technical Operations Manager United States

Carol Zuma-Hall Financial Controller United Kingdom

Ceri Brown Lead UX/UI Designer United Kingdom

Chaida Kapfunde Senior Director, Technology & Business Solutions United Kingdom

Charlie Lexton COO United Kingdom

Chris Tarbet Senior Director, Commercial Partnerships United Kingdom

Daniele Yandel Senior Manager, Member Operations United States

Emma Robinson Senior Director, Member Operations United Kingdom

Emillia Walsh Paralegal United Kingdom

Gary Watson Director, Data Operations United Kingdom

Grace Styles Management Accountant United Kingdom

Jac Powel Senior Data Analyst United Kingdom

James Choo Finance Manager United Kingdom

Jeremy Sirota CEO United States

Jim Mahoney SVP, Member & Partner Success United States

Joe Mercer Danher Senior Manager, Member Relations United Kingdom

Joseph Cortes Senior Reporting Coordinator United Kingdom

Kaoruko Hill GM, APAC Japan

Katie Eckett Senior Manager, Business & Legal Affairs United Kingdom

Kirsty Langdell People & Culture Lead
 United Kingdom

Leah Kraft Member Relations Manager New York

Maria Lavric Data Operations Manager United Kingdom

Mariah Mu Coordinator, Member and Partners Thailand

Marta de la Hoz Director, Business Analytics United Kingdom

Martin Vovk Director, Insights United Kingdom

Matt Price Data Engineer United Kingdom

Matt Rose Marketing Manager United States

Maureen Ofori Data Operations Assistant United Kingdom

Mili Payne Senior Royalty Coordinator United Kingdom

Molly Kempen Reporting Coordinator United Kingdom

Neil Miller General Counsel 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 Senior Manager, Commercial Partnerships United Kingdom

Quentin Martins Senior Manager, Commercial Partnerships United Kingdom

Rosie Reeves Reporting Manager United Kingdom

Ryan McWhinnie Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs United Kingdom

Sarah Hammond Senior Finance Manager United Kingdom

Savannah Puleston Operations and Events Coordinator United Kingdom

Shannon Bradley Senior Manager, Commercial Partnerships United States

Shrina Patel Senior Director, Business and Legal Affairs United Kingdom

Simon Marcel Coordinator, Member & Partnerships United Kingdom

Simon Stride Development Manager United Kingdom

Simon Turner-Thompson Product Manager United Kingdom

Tom White Senior Coordinator, Business Analytics United Kingdom

Vincent Moyo Director, Commercial Finance United Kingdom

Wesley Green Product Owner 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

Alice Moss

About

I’ve been a musician all my life, and then found my way into working in digital supply chain operations. I’ve joined the Merlin team because I love working with independent labels and distributors, and helping them get the most out of their partnerships with digital platforms. When I’m not at work, you can find me behind a drum kit, out running, or cooking and eating pasta.

Role

Senior Manager, Member Operations

Location

Germany

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

Senior Developer, Technology and Business Solutions

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

Location

United States

Name

Ben Sperling

About

Pianist, composer, and data enthusiast who studied music and folklore & mythology. Listens to too much yacht rock for someone without a yacht. When not engaged with Merlin members and partners, I might be found playing rock shows around NYC or grilling on my roof.

Role

Coordinator, Member & Partner Success

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

Carol Zuma-Hall

About

I’m intrigued by what and how things work, which makes me a natural problem solver and people person as well. All of these traits help me to do my job better.

Role

Financial Controller

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Ceri Brown

About

Great design comes from balancing user needs with business goals. As a designer, I aim to understand both aspects to create inclusive, accessible, and user-centric products and services that people will love.

Role

Lead UX/UI Designer

Location

United Kingdom

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

Charlie oversees the company’s business affairs, reporting, and data analytics functions, and is a driving force behind Merlin’s strategic approach to the marketplace.He has been fundamental in establishing Merlin’s reputation and success, securing innovative licensing partnerships with the world’s leading digital partners. Following stints at majors (UMG and EMI) and independents (Dorado and City Rockers), Charlie joined Merlin at its inception in 2008.

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

Senior Manager, Member Operations

Location

United States

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

Senior Director, Member Operations

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Emillia Walsh

About

An impassioned music lover with a legal background, thrilled to be able to support independent artists across the expansive network of Merlin. Outside of the office, I can usually be found sifting through Vinyl at Palace Records or trying out new restaurants with friends.

Role

Paralegal

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Gary Watson

About

I am an unashamed Data-Geek with a passion to make data and information work for people. Outside work I love a good read or a good film (Sci-Fi or History work best), walking the dogs or trying to keep the garden in order.

Role

Director, Data 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

Management Accountant

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Jac Powel

About

Role

Senior Data Analyst

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 Mercer 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

Senior Manager, Member Relations

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

Senior Reporting Coordinator

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Kaoruko Hill

About

Music copyright/digital music business nerd. Prior to returning to Merlin, spent some years working at a CMO in Japan focusing on new media licensing and international relation, establishing Merlin’s Tokyo office and most recently at ByteDance/TikTok in global business development. In my personal time, I enjoy literature, film and theatre.

Role

GM, APAC

Location

Japan

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

Senior Manager, Business & Legal Affairs

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Kirsty Langdell

About

I’m thrilled to join Merlin as People & Culture Lead. I’ve worked in People/HR roles in tech, luxury retail, cycling and music ticketing and I’m also a qualified coach.

Role

People & Culture Lead

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Leah Kraft

About

Lifelong music fan with a background in music tech, artist management, and policy. I’m deeply committed to supporting the independent music ecosystem and thrilled to work Merlin to help make a positive impact!

Role

Member Relations Manager

Location

New York

Name

Maria Lavric

About

Linguistics-trained turned tech enthusiast, I navigate life with spreadsheets and paint it with music. I am passionate about people and I am dedicated to supporting minorities. I aim to be remembered as a person who took risks and who inspired others to be their best selves.

Role

Data Operations Manager

Location

United Kingdom

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

Martin Vovk

About

Outside of work and music, I’m a passionate reader and writer, and run a blog and Bookstagram account focused on literary prizes like the Booker. I also enjoy running (slowly) and hiking, follow F1 and am a bit of craft beer nerd.  My favourite records of 2023 were Sofia Kourtesis’ Madres and Romy’s Mid Air, and I’m something of a fanboy of the New Zealand dreampop band Yumi Zouma. My favourite book last year was Catherine Lacey’s excellent Biography of X.

Role

Director, Insights

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Matt Price

About

Stumbled into data engineering by cleaning up University lab reports using code and I just kept doing it, now I create data pipelines through the cloud while listening to my rock band of the week.

Role

Data Engineer

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

Maureen Ofori

About

I could never imagine life without music and I am excited to be able to contribute my quota to the music industry through Merlin.

Role

Data Operations Assistant

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

Senior Royalty Coordinator

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Molly Kempen

About

I graduated from university with an English degree and fell into the world of royalties. Working for a company that had good values was important to me and Merlin was exactly that. In my spare time I love to read, travel and go to the theatre.  

Role

Reporting Coordinator

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Neil Miller

About

Neil has worked at the intersection of music and technology since the early 2000s. Neil leads the Business & Legal Affairs team at Merlin, having previously held leadership positions at Meta, SoundCloud, and MTV, and most recently as a partner at US law firm, Greenberg Traurig.

Role

General Counsel

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

Senior Manager, Commercial Partnerships

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

Reporting Manager

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

Sarah Hammond

About

Sarah joined Merlin in 2023. She’s worked in the music industry for 15 years and couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. Favourite gig: Paul Simon at the Bloomsbury Theatre. Currently listening to a lot of melancholy folk music.

Role

Senior Finance Manager

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

Operations and Events Coordinator

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

Senior Manager, Commercial Partnerships

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

Simon Stride

About

I am a self-confessed data geek, with a background in data warehousing, databases, and data science.

Role

Development Manager

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Simon Turner-Thompson

About

Started his career running a music events business, later taught himself to code and moved through software development into product management. From here a product career in finance, tv and film and sport has lead him back to his passion, music. Outside of the office trying to build a sustainable off grid life.

Role

Product Manager

Location

United Kingdom

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

Senior Coordinator, Business Analytics

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

Director, Commercial Finance

Location

United Kingdom

Name

Wesley Green

About

A long-standing passion for technology and its potential to improve lives has led me to a career focused on delivering innovative software solutions with agile teams. However, my love for tech has been severely tested while trying to transition my DJing skills from vinyl to digital. Outside of DJing, I spend my spare time running, taking the motorbike out for a ride, and enjoying country walks with my dog.

Role

Product Owner

Location

United Kingdom

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