Charlie Lexton named CEO of Merlin
Merlin has selected Charlie Lexton as its next Chief Executive Officer, starting in the new year, with current leader Jeremy Sirota departing after almost 20 years with the organization. Lexton joined the independent music rights agency at its founding and has held the Chief Operating Officer position since 2020, playing a central role in negotiations with streaming platforms and social media companies while managing significant transactions, including the disposal of the company’s Spotify equity stake that returned more than 125 million dollars to member organizations.
The agency represents about 15 percent of worldwide recorded music through members spanning over 70 countries and generated record revenue of 1.64 billion dollars for its membership during the past year. Lexton previously worked in business affairs for Universal Music Group and EMI while also co-founding independent labels Dorado Records and City Rockers earlier in his career.
