Charlie Lexton
COO at Merlin
Charlie Lexton is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Merlin, the digital licensing hub for the world’s independent music sector, which commands over 15% market share of global recorded music.
Charlie oversees the Business Affairs and Data Analytics teams, which together inform and drive Merlin’s long-term commercial strategy and provide ongoing value to its members.
Charlie has been fundamental in establishing Merlin’s reputation and success, securing innovative licensing partnerships with the world’s leading digital partners, including Alibaba, Anghami, Boomplay, Deezer, Facebook/Instagram, JioSaavn, NetEase, Pandora, SoundCloud, Spotify, Tencent, TikTok and YouTube - and played a pivotal role in the transfer of $100m+ of recorded music assets to the independent sector as a condition of Warner Music Group’s acquisition of Parlophone Label Group from Universal Music Group (UMG).
Following stints at the majors (in senior positions at UMG and EMI) and independent labels (Dorado Records and City Rockers), Charlie joined Merlin as Head of Business Affairs in 2008, taking on the additional role of General Counsel two years later. He was elevated to Chief Commercial Officer & General Counsel in May 2018, and Chief Operating Officer in April 2020.
Charlie Lexton COO at Merlin