Merlin, the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors, has launched 2026 by unveiling its newly constituted Board, uniting prominent figures from the independent music sector across 12 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Oceania.
The Merlin Board is elected by and from its global membership, which includes tens of thousands of independent record labels, distributors, and rights holders worldwide.
The newly formed Board brings together a broad range of expertise to help steer Merlin in its mission to protect and strengthen the independence of its members. Collectively, the Board offers a strong global outlook, shaped by extensive, hands-on experience operating in diverse music markets around the world.
The 2026–2027 Board features a blend of newly elected and returning members.
Newly elected Board members are Bugwu Aneto-Okeke of Measurable Accurate Digital Solutions (Nigeria), Charles Caldas of Exceleration (Portugal), Manami Ogawa of STARBASE (Japan), Rachel Buswell of Domino (UK), and Sascha Lazimbat of Zebralution (Germany).
In addition to elected members, Merlin has appointed Dan Waite of Better Noise (UK) and Verónica Rojas of Casete (Mexico) as Board Observers.
Continuing their service following re-election are Carlos Mills of Mills Records (Brazil), Chris Maund of Mushroom (Australia), Darius Van Arman of Secretly Group (US), Golda Bitterli of Revelator (Israel), Justin West of Secret City Records (Canada), Louis Posen of Hopeless Records (US), Marie Clausen of Ninja Tune (US), Megan Jasper of Sub Pop (US), Pascal Bittard of IDOL (France), and Tom Deakin of AudioSalad (UK).
Beggars Group founder and Merlin co-founder Martin Mills will remain a Director of Merlin Network, the organisation’s parent body, alongside Darius Van Arman, who continues as Merlin Chairperson, and Merlin CEO Charlie Lexton.
Merlin also expressed its gratitude to outgoing Board members for their contributions and service. The organisation thanked Eniko Gallasz (WMMusicDistribution), Fer Isella (limbo music), Jeffrey Chiang (Fluxus), Jennifer Newman Sharpe (Exceleration), Michael Ugwu (Freeme Digital), and Simon Wheeler (Beggars) for their dedication to Merlin’s growth and success.
Commenting on the announcement, Merlin CEO Charlie Lexton said the organisation was pleased to welcome the new Board members, noting that each brings a distinct and valuable perspective. He added that Merlin’s commitment to delivering high-value benefits and best-in-class deals remains central to its mission, and that the Board’s diverse experience across markets and business models will be critical as the digital music landscape continues to evolve.
About Merlin
Merlin is the digital music licensing partner for the world’s leading independent labels and distributors. The organisation has secured premium licensing agreements with platforms including Apple, Canva, ElevenLabs, Meta, Spotify, YouTube, and more than 40 other innovative digital services worldwide. Merlin’s membership spans over 70 countries and represents approximately 15% of the global recorded music market. Operating solely for the benefit of its members, Merlin has no external investors and is funded entirely through a low 1.5% administrative fee. Merlin empowers independent music companies to fully own and manage their digital businesses through world-class deals and a wide range of member benefits.
For more information, visit www.merlinnetwork.org.
Media inquiries:
Crystal Henderson
The Press House
crystal@thepresshouse.com