Jeremy Sirota to Step Down as Merlin CEO

Merlin CEO Jeremy Sirota will exit the company on December 31. He has not announced his next professional move.

Why it matters:

• Merlin is arguably the world's leading digital music licensing partner for independent labels and distributors, representing 15% of the global recorded music market.

• Sirota has served as CEO since 2020.

• No successor has been announced. The Merlin board will oversee the hiring process.

Achievements:

• As per Digital Music News, under Sirota's leadership Merlin struck licensing deals with major digital streaming providers (DSPs) including Apple Music, Spotify, Snap Inc. and Twitch.

• Memberships grew by more than 100.

• He launched, or oversaw, initiatives such as:

  • Merlin Engage, a mentorship program for the next generation of female leaders.

  • Merlin Insights, helping members navigate streaming analytics.

  • Merlin Connect, making music licensing more accessible for emerging technology platforms.

What they said:

• Sirota: "It's been the privilege of a lifetime to lead Merlin, support our members, and empower independence".