Merlin hires Ryan McWhinnie as Director, Legal & Business Affairs

Merlin, the global rights agency for the independent label sector, has hired Ryan McWhinnie as Director, Legal & Business Affairs.

The newly appointed McWhinnie will be working from the agency’s London office and will report to Merlin’s Head of Business Affairs & General Counsel, Charlie Lexton.

Charles Caldas, Merlin CEO said: “As Merlin continues to operate at the forefront of a fast-developing digital music market, Ryan will be a valuable addition to our team. His joining significantly increases Merlin’s deal-making capacity and will allow us to deliver even greater efficiencies and value to our members.”

Charlie Lexton said: “We are very happy to have recruited Ryan. He stood out as a great fit with our business and he will assist us greatly as we continue to expand the volume and scope of our operations”.

Ryan McWhinnie added: “I’m delighted to be joining such a dynamic team at what is an exciting period of change for the recorded music sector, and where the value of independent music has never been more evident. Merlin has already signed a number of landmark deals this year, and I look forward to contributing to the organisation’s success in the future.”

With experience of both commercial and corporate practice, McWhinnie has specialised in the music sector advising clients from industry and artistic fields, including rara, soundhalo and MAMA & Company.

The appointment has followed the recent announcement of Merlin’s partnership with Pandora – the Internet radio service’s first ever direct label deal. On behalf of its membership, Merlin has now established itself as a licensing partner to Beats Music, Deezer, rara, Rdio and Spotify.

In June 2014, Merlin reported that payments to its members are expected to exceed $160 million over the next 12 months.