Chris Welz Named Partner at Secretly Distribution

Independent music distributor Secretly Distribution has named longtime Chief Operating Officer Chris Welz its newest Partner.

Achievements:

• Over the past two decades Welz has helped shape Secretly’s global physical operations, while launching and developing its digital services and DSP relationships – a business that has now exceeded tens of billions of streams.

Responsibilities:

• As Partner, Welz will continue to scale the organization in providing hands-on, global distribution services to some of the world’s top independent artists, affiliates and labels, alongside Secretly Distribution’s CEO, Darius Van Arman.

Banner year:

• The announcement comes off the back of a bumper 2025 for Secretly Distribution, its biggest ever year.

• It supported thousands of releases from more than 100 different record labels and businesses.

• It also championed the critical and commercial success of acts like Bon Iver, Japanese Breakfast and Hayley Williams, while signing new or renewing deals with Third Man Records, Org Music, Ubiquity, Ipecac Recordings, and more.

• It formed a new APAC division, launched a new bespoke repertoire management system, and partnered with Cargo and Beggars Group in the UK.

What they said:

• Chris Welz: “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.”