Merlin has appointed Charlie Lexton as its CEO, effective January 1, 2026.
Lexton has worked for the digital rights agency for global independent labels and distributors since its inception, initially alongside founding CEO Charles Caldas.
Most recently, Lexton has served as Merlin’s COO since April 2020. He will succeed Jeremy Sirota as chief executive.
As a Merlin veteran, Lexton has been present for milestones in the organisation including the negotiation of its DSP and social media deals, as well as recent partnership with AI audio company ElevenLabs.
He has been key to outcomes including Merlin’s settlement of peer-to-peer copyright infringement litigation with LimeWire, the transfer of substantial parts of the Parlophone Label Group to the independent sector following UMG’s acquisition of EMI, and the sale of Merlin’s equity interest in Spotify, which delivered a pay out of more than $125 million to its members.
Lexton has worked in the music industry for his entire career. He began as a DJ, writer and producer, before co-founding London independent label Dorado Records. After qualifying as a lawyer, he worked at UMG and EMI, where he led business affairs for EMEA ex-UK.
Immediately prior to helping launch Merlin, Lexton ran another London based independent label, City Rockers, as co-owner.
Charlie Lexton has earned the trust of the Merlin membership by consistently delivering immense value throughout the organisation's history
Darius Van Arman
Merlin recently published its accounts for 2024 announcing revenue at a record high of $1.64bn and its administration fee at a record low 1%.
Charlie Lexton said: “I am delighted at the opportunity to lead this organisation. 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.”
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.”
Marie Clausen, Merlin management board member and MD North America, Ninja Tune, added: “Charlie is a brilliant strategist and remarkable negotiator who has earned the respect of our membership, team, and partners. The industry is at a pivotal moment of change. With Charlie at the helm, Merlin is ideally positioned to turn that change into opportunity. Having worked with him over a decade, I am confident that under Charlie’s leadership Merlin is in the best hands.”
Outgoing Merlin CEO Jeremy Sirota said: “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.”
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