Merlin has revealed a series of senior promotions within its membership team.
The global digital music licensing partner for independent labels and distributors has promoted Jim Mahoney to the new position of chief membership officer.
Since joining Merlin in 2014, Mahoney has played a key role first in establishing the organisation’s North American operation, and progressing to lead Merlin’s global membership function.
In his new role, he delegates some of that responsibility in order to focus on Merlin’s membership strategy, engagement and development globally.
Prior to Merlin, Mahoney served as vice president at trade association A2IM and held an independent label seat on the board of SoundExchange. His earlier career included senior roles at Fat Beats Records, Roadrunner Records and Profile Records, where he led campaigns for artists including DJ Quik, Camp Lo and Atmosphere.
“It’s an honour to take on this position at such an important moment for Merlin and for the independent music community more broadly,” said Jim Mahoney. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do and their artists power the successes of our digital partners. I’m excited to continue building on the strong foundation we’ve created, ensuring they have the tools, access and advocacy they need to compete and succeed on a global stage.”
It’s an honour to take on this position at such an important moment for Merlin and for the independent music community more broadly
Jim Mahoney
Alongside Mahoney’s appointment, Merlin has further strengthened its membership team with a series of additional promotions.
Bela Zecker has been elevated to senior director, global membership development. Since joining Merlin in 2023, Zecker has contributed to advancing the company’s international membership strategy, helping to deepen relationships and expand engagement across its growing global network.
Prior to joining Merlin, Zecker worked as label manager at Exceleration, senior manager of independent label relations at SoundCloud, and senior project manager at Ninja Tune.
In London, Joe Mercer Danher has been promoted to director, member relations, where he now leads Merlin’s global member relations efforts and is the primary point of contact for Merlin’s members across EMEA.
Since joining the organisation in 2020, he has worked closely with independent labels, distributors and artist and label services companies to ensure they are fully engaged with Merlin’s membership benefits and commercial opportunities.
Mercer Danher's background includes artist management within the European rock and metal scene, as well as work designing grant initiatives and supporting decision-making at Help Musicians and PRS Foundation. He is also a composer, having delivered creative projects for global brands including Apple, Tesla, Vice and Wired.
These promotions reflect the depth of talent at Merlin
Charlie Lexton
Additionally, Ben Sperling has been promoted to manager, global membership development following more than two years with Merlin in roles focused on driving member participation in commercial and promotional opportunities tied to the organisation’s global DSP partnerships.
His trajectory within Merlin began with an internship during his studies, evolving into a full-time role. Prior to joining Merlin, Sperling worked as a distribution analyst at ASCAP.
Jim Mahoney said: “I’m incredibly pleased to see Bela, Ben and Joe step into these well-deserved new roles. Each of them has made a significant impact at Merlin. Their expertise, commitment, and understanding of our global community is instrumental in Merlin’s support of our members and driving Merlin’s continued success worldwide.”
Charlie Lexton, CEO of Merlin, added: “These promotions reflect the depth of talent at Merlin. Jim’s promotion and the creation of the chief membership officer role recognise Jim’s exceptional leadership and the fundamental nature of Merlin as a member-based organisation. Jim has been instrumental in the growth and development of Merlin’s membership, and his promotion is an acknowledgement of the role he has played for some time. His deep understanding of our sector and Merlin’s core mission is invaluable.
“Together with the deserved promotions of Bela, Ben and Joe, our Membership team has the strength, expertise and global perspective to continue delivering meaningful, lasting value to our members.”
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