Secretly Distribution (SD) has named its longtime Chief Operating Officer, Chris Welz, as the company’s newest Partner.
Welz, who has spent two decades at Secretly, is credited with shaping the independent music distributor’s global physical operations during his COO tenure while launching and developing its digital services and DSP relationships.
As Partner, working alongside Secretly Distribution’s CEO, Darius Van Arman, Welz will “continue to scale the organization in providing hands-on, global distribution services” to leading independent artists, affiliates and labels.
“After two decades at Secretly, stepping into ownership feels like a natural next chapter and an incredible honor.”
CHRIS WELZ, Secretly Distribution
Speaking about his appointment, Welz said: “After two decades at Secretly, stepping into ownership feels like a natural next chapter and an incredible honor. This company has shaped more than a career – it has brought lasting friendships and a tireless devotion to the independent community. I’m filled with gratitude and supercharged for the next phases of our work.”
The announcement comes on the heels of Secretly Distribution’s “biggest year ever”, according to the firm, after supporting thousands of releases from more than 100 record labels and businesses in 2025, and achieving a “multitude” of Gold and Platinum certifications.
“For over two decades, Chris Welz has been a trusted and tireless colleague.”
Darius Van Arman, Secretly Distribution
Notable successes have included Bon Iver, Japanese Breakfast, and SD label partner Hayley Williams/Post Atlantic.
The company has also recently signed new or renewed deals with Third Man Records, Org Music, Ubiquity, Asthmatic Kitty Records, Invada Records, and Ipecac Recordings.
“For over two decades, Chris Welz has been a trusted and tireless colleague, working in various roles at Secretly,” said Darius Van Arman, CEO of Secretly Distribution & Co-Founder of Secretly Group. “He started as an intern and a warehouse shipping assistant, then served as a label manager and our head of digital, eventually rising to his current role of COO.
“One of my favorite qualities about Chris is that he always meets people where they are at, never makes people feel small, rather, his style of leadership elevates everyone around him. It’s why his team flourishes. But it is not only the immense respect he has earned as a leader that makes him extraordinary. It is that he is also a person of great character and sharp business acumen.
“Thank you, Chris, for propelling SD to where it is now, and for contributing to a workplace culture that so many of us are very proud to be a part of. And now I am proud to call you partner.”
“SD would not be SD if it weren’t for the decades of ideas and guidance Welz has brought to the company.”
Anna Bond, Secretly Distribution
The distributor’s roster includes Rhymesayers, Captured Tracks, A24 Music, Touch & Go, Moshi Moshi, Bayonet, DFA, Run For Cover, Big Crown, Colemine, Nyege Nyege Tapes, Jazz Is Dead, Oh Boy Records, ZZK, Secretly-affiliated labels Dead Oceans, drink sum wtr, Ghostly International, Merge Records, Sacred Bones, Jagjaguwar, Secretly Canadian and the Numero Group, and more.
Anna Bond, Director of Planning & Initiatives at Secretly Distribution, added: “I have known and worked with Chris Welz for the better part of the last two decades, in my various roles at labels and throughout the music business. He has always been both steady-as-she-goes ship’s captain, and a person who is clearly inspired by SD’s mission and partners.
“Now that I’m at SD and working directly with Welz on a daily basis, I’m continually reminded why both SD’s staff and its ever-growing roster of incredible labels and artist partners are lucky to be under his leadership, and the experience and innovation he brings to the table every day. SD would not be SD if it weren’t for the decades of ideas and guidance Welz has brought to the company, and his elevation to partner reflects his crucial contributions.”
In 2025, Secretly Distribution opened an office in the Asia-Pacific region and promoted two executives, as well as launching a new bespoke repertoire management system.
The previous year, alongside Beggars Group, it entered into a strategic partnership with Cargo Records in the UK to launch a new distribution company called Cargo Independent Distribution (CID).Music Business Worldwide
