Merlin appoints Dan Nevin as Vice President of Industry Relations

The appointment, announced on 14 July, will see Nevin report directly to Merlin CEO Charlie Lexton and work alongside the company's executive leadership team.

According to Merlin, Nevin will lead relationships with independent trade associations and strategic partners globally. He will also work with the organisation’s Global Membership Development team to support membership growth in Asia, Africa, Oceania and other emerging music markets.

The appointment comes as Merlin expands its licensing activities, including agreements with artificial intelligence companies. In August 2025, the organisation signed a licensing deal with ElevenLabs for its Eleven Music platform, followed by an agreement with Udio in January 2026 after the AI company settled copyright litigation with Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group.

Commenting on the appointment, Lexton said strengthening relationships across the independent music sector remained a priority for the organisation.

“The independent sector has never been more globally connected, and Merlin has an important role to play in helping our members succeed in that environment.

“As we continue to evolve, it's essential that we build ever stronger relationships around the world, ensuring independent voices are represented wherever the future of music is being shaped. Dan is uniquely qualified to lead that work.

“He has earned enormous respect across our community through his integrity and unwavering commitment to independent music, and I’m delighted to see him join the Merlin team in this newly created role.”

Nevin said he had maintained a long association with Merlin and looked forward to supporting its global membership.

“I’ve been connected to Merlin since its early days and have long admired and respected what the organisation has done and continues to do in delivering value for its members and the independent sector.

“I’m excited to take on this new role and work closely with our members, industry partners and colleagues across Merlin to strengthen connections, support the continued growth of independent businesses around the world and develop initiatives that create meaningful value for both today’s members and the next generation of independent rightsholders.”

Nevin has worked in the independent music sector for more than two decades. His career includes managing an independent record store, working for an Australian independent record company, holding senior roles in digital music and streaming, and serving as chief executive officer of the Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR). Since relocating to London in 2016, he has worked as a consultant and adviser to music companies, labels and distributors.

His appointment is the latest in a series of senior leadership changes under Lexton, who became Merlin’s CEO in January 2026. Earlier this month, the organisation appointed former Downtown Music executive Harmen Hemminga as vice president of business development, while in May it promoted Jim Mahoney to the newly created role of Chief Membership Officer.

Nevin will also oversee Merlin’s global trade association sponsorship programme and Merlin Engage, an executive development initiative for women in leadership across the independent music sector.

Merlin represents members in more than 70 countries and says they account for approximately 15% of the global recorded music market. The organisation negotiates digital licensing agreements with platforms including Apple Music, Meta, Spotify and YouTube, and reported generating a record US$1.64 billion in revenue for its members in 2024.