Merlin has appointed Charlie Lexton as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026.
Lexton will succeed Jeremy Sirota, who is stepping down by the end of the year, after nearly two decades at the company.
Lexton joined Merlin at its inception, working initially alongside Charles Caldas, the agency’s first CEO.
He has served as Chief Operating Officer since April 2020, and according to Merlin, has “been at the centre of key milestones” throughout its history, from the negotiation of its suite of DSP and social media deals to a recent partnership with ElevenLabs.
Beyond these agreements, Merlin said that Lexton has been “key to delivering a series of game-changing moments for the independent music sector”.
His tenure at Merlin also covers the agency’s settlement of peer-to-peer copyright litigation with LimeWire and the transfer of portions of the Parlophone Label Group to independent labels following Universal Music Group‘s acquisition of EMI.
He also handled the sale of Merlin’s equity stake in Spotify, which returned more than $125 million to member companies.
“My focus is on our members—the most significant grouping of independent music companies in the world—and on the Merlin team.”
Charlie Lexton, Merlin
Before joining Merlin, Lexton worked in business affairs for UMG and EMI, where he led operations for EMEA outside the UK. He trained as a lawyer after co-founding London independent label Dorado Records and later co-owned City Rockers, another London-based independent label. His career began as a DJ, writer, and producer.
The agency represents approximately 15% of the global recorded music market through members in more than 70 countries.
Merlin said in the press release that it generated a record $1.64 billion in annual revenue for its members in 2024.
Commenting on his appointment, Lexton said: “I am delighted at the opportunity to lead this organization. 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.”
“Charlie Lexton has earned the trust of the Merlin membership by consistently delivering immense value throughout the organization’s history.”
Darius Van Arman, Merlin & Secretly Group
“I can do nothing without the support of our team. And without our members, there is no Merlin.”
Darius Van Arman, Merlin’s Chairperson and co-CEO of Secretly Group, 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.”
“Charlie is a brilliant strategist and remarkable negotiator who has earned the respect of our membership, team, and partners.”
Marie Clausen, Ninja Tune
“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 also commented on Lexton’s appointment: “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.”
“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.”
Jeremy Sirota, Merlin
Added Sirota: “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.”
Members include labels and distributors such as Armada Music Group, AudioSalad, Beggars Group, Cinq Music Group, Domino, Exceleration Music, Mom & Pop Music, Polyvinyl Records, Reservoir Media, Zebralution and hundreds more.
Music Business Worldwide
