🎶 Get ready for a music revolution! In an epic move, Merlin has appointed Charlie Lexton as the new Chief Executive Officer starting January 1, 2026. Lexton is no stranger to the scene—he's been rocking it with Merlin since day one alongside music legend Charles Caldas.
🌟 For fans of independent music, this is major news! Lexton has been the Chief Operating Officer since 2020, playing a key role in groundbreaking deals from DSPs to a collab with ElevenLabs. He's the mastermind who helped steer Merlin through huge moments, like the LimeWire copyright showdown and the fabulous $125 million Spotify stock sell-off!
🔥 But wait, there's more! Before Merlin, Lexton was making waves at UMG and EMI, and even co-founded London’s very own Dorado Records and City Rockers. Yep, he's a DJ, writer, producer, and a lawyer—talk about multifaceted!
🌍 Representing a whopping 15% of the global recorded music scene, Merlin isn't just stopping at setting records, like their massive $1.64 billion revenue in 2024. Charlie aims to redefine the game for indie labels worldwide!
💬 In his own words, Lexton enthuses, “I am thrilled to lead this organization and focus on our amazing members and the unstoppable Merlin team!”
🎤 Music powerhouses are singing his praises too! Merlin's Chairperson, Darius Van Arman, believes Lexton is the ultimate standout, calling him a “brilliant strategist.” And Marie Clausen from Ninja Tune is all in, ready to see Lexton turn the industry's changes into epic opportunities.
🚀 So, buckle up as Charlie Lexton takes the indie music world to new heights—Merlin is set to shine like never before! 🌈