Charlie Lexton Appointed CEO Of Merlin
• Merlin, the digital rights agency for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors, announced the appointment of Charlie Lexton as its CEO, succeeding Jeremy Sirota, effective Jan. 1.
Lexton (left) has served as Merlin’s COO since April 2020 and has worked for the company since its inception, initially alongside founding CEO, Charles Caldas, and has been instrumental in establishing Merlin as a global force in digital music.
Lexton has spent his entire career in the music industry, beginning as a DJ, writer and producer, before co-founding London independent label Dorado Records. After qualifying as a lawyer, Lexton worked at UMG and EMI, where he led Business Affairs for EMEA ex UK. Just prior to helping launch Merlin, Lexton was co-owner of another London based independent label, City Rockers.
“I am delighted at the opportunity to lead this organization,” Lexton said. “My focus is on our members — the most significant grouping of independent music companies in the world — and on the Merlin team, our incredibly hard working and dedicated staff. I can do nothing without the support of our team. And without our members, there is no Merlin.”
Outgoing Merlin CEO Jeremy Sirota remarked, “Charlie has been a great partner in evolving Merlin into what it is today. He consistently delivers — from his unwavering commitment to the Merlin team to pioneering the first significant AI deal with ElevenLabs to empowering our members via Merlin Insights. Next year, I’m proud he will champion Merlin Engage to empower the next generation of female leaders for independent music. I’m excited for Charlie and the team to write Merlin’s next chapter.”
Darius Van Arman, Chairperson of Merlin and Secretly Group Co-CEO, said, “When we conducted our search for the new CEO, we met a number of extraordinary leaders; however, one person stood out — Charlie Lexton has earned the trust of the Merlin membership by consistently delivering immense value throughout the organization’s history. I am extremely confident that under his stewardship and working closely with the exceptional Merlin team, Merlin will reach new heights and further enable the independence of the world’s leading music companies.” [Photo credit: Claire Jonas]
