Merlin has launched the fourth edition of its Engage mentorship programme for female executives.
The initiative continues the organisation’s efforts to scale its global leadership pipeline for women across the indie sector.
Now in its fourth year, the Engage initiative has supported more than 90 women globally and reflects Merlin’s broader push to “strengthen representation and leadership development across its international membership base”, according to the announcement.
The 2026 cohort marks the programme’s largest and most geographically diverse to date, with participants across 21 cities worldwide. Mentees from Australia, India and Paraguay are joining for the first time.
Participation has increased by 20% year-on-year, expanding from 15 to 18 mentor-mentee pairings, as demand for places rises across Merlin’s global network of independent labels and distributors.
The programme connects senior executives with emerging talent across key markets – a cross-border leadership accelerator for women.
Alongside one-to-one mentorship, the 2026 programme introduces an expanded professional development framework. Workshops running from April to June will cover leadership identity, executive presence and communication, career growth, scaling impact through support and accountability and strategic networking. AI best practices are embedded throughout to reflect the technology’s growing role in the modern music business.
Mentors will also have access to optional onboarding sessions led by executive coach and program facilitator Miriam Meima, aimed at enhancing mentorship effectiveness across diverse territories.
The transformation I'm witnessing wouldn't be possible without our incredible mentors and the industry leaders who believe in this vision
Marie Clausen
During A2IM Indie Week in New York in June, current participants will be brought together with alumni, strengthening what has become a growing global network of female leaders within the independent ecosystem.
The 2026 cohort includes executives from a wide range of Merlin member companies.
Marie Clausen, managing director, North America of Ninja Tune & management board member of Merlin, said: "Merlin Engage is innovating the leadership pipeline into the global music business with life-changing results. Named as one of the best programs across the industry, applications are up 20% year-over-year, as our program now spans 21 cities, including Australia, India, and Paraguay for the first time.
“The transformation I'm witnessing wouldn't be possible without our incredible mentors and the industry leaders who believe in this vision. Together, we're building the foundation for music's next generation who will drive innovation across every single corner of the music industry.”
Charlie Lexton, CEO of Merlin, added: “From the outset, Merlin Engage was designed to reflect the global nature of Merlin’s membership, and each year we are seeing that vision expand. The diversity of this year’s cohort highlights the depth of female talent across the independent music ecosystem worldwide. By connecting women across borders, we are helping to build a stronger, more inclusive global industry.”
Participants - Merlin Engage 2026
Mentors
Amy Dietz - Partner, Exceleration Music
Annette Lee - Global Head of Press & Communications, 4AD
Chloé van Bergen - VP Operations, Secretly Group
Debs Cutting - Operations Director, Absolute Label Services
Eniko Gallasz - Managing Director, WMMusicDistribution
Francesca Caldara - Vice President, Recorded Music, UNIFIED Music Group
Janette Berrios - VP Corporate Marketing, Symphonic Distribution
Jennifer Newman Sharpe - General Counsel, Exceleration Music
Linnea Sundberg - VP Corporate & Business Development, UnitedMasters
Magali Ould - GM, Secret City Records
Megan Jasper - CEO, Sub Pop Records
Narin Karadaghi - General Counsel, Amuse
Patra Sinner - General Counsel, Symphonic Distribution
Rachel Buswell - Head of Digital Partnerships & Analytics, Domino Recording Company
Rachel Cragg - Managing Director, NEO Division, Nettwerk Music Group
Rachel White - Director of Audience Development, Sub Pop Records
Rhian Emanuel - Managing Director, Because Music
Susanne Hazendonk - VP Marketing & Digital Commerce, Armada Music
Mentees
Amira Arar - Head of Artist & Label Relations, Random Sounds
Darlene Hall - Director, Distribution, Create Music Group
Elaine Rogers - D2C Director, Secretly Group
Erika Lopez Garcia - Senior Product Manager, UnitedMasters
Gabriela Sa - Head of Business & Legal Affairs, Monstercat
Grace Pozniak - Marketing & Distribution Manager, Many Hats Endeavors
Grace Theokritoff - Label Manager, UK, IDOL
Hen Heimdal - CCO, SonoSuite
Isabel Ferreira de Castro - Digital Content & Marketing Manager, Cargo Digital Services GmbH
Janice Renee Wendel - Team Lead, Armin van Buuren, Armada Music
Julia Amodeo - Head of Streaming, 604 Records
Kelsey Wise - Head of Rights Administration, Exceleration Music
Kriza Canzon - Compliance & Artist Support Manager, G.Y.R.O.
Laura Catana - Director, Content & Social Media Strategy, Symphonic Distribution
Robyn Edwards - Head of Insights and Studio Partnerships, Republic of Music
Sara Dempsey - Head of Sales, North America, Warp Records
Taya Oxenham - Senior Campaign Manager, Mushroom Group
Uzma Aman Khan - Vice President, Content Marketing, Membership & Business Development, Phonographic Digital Limited
PHOTO: Participants in last year’s Merlin Engage program pictured at the AI2M Gathering in New York in June 2025
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