Adam Wright named new Merlin CFO

A finance executive with a passion for working with creative entrepreneurial ventures, Wright joins Merlin after three years as director of finance for the Creative Artists Agency, overseeing its brand licensing business in Europe, Middle East and Africa. He has also previously held executive positions at Sony Music Group and Cooperative Music, Universal Music Group’s former international licensing and distribution network serving the independent music sector.

Based in the UK, Wright will be responsible for the organisation’s financial, treasury and tax functions on a global basis, and his expertise is expected to help members better own their independence and enable the organisation to thrive as it continues to grow.

“I’m delighted to take on the role of CFO at Merlin,” Wright said. “It’s such a dynamic time for the Merlin organisation and the industry as a whole. To come back to the independent sector where my music industry career first began is especially satisfying.”

He added: “Independents’ passion for music is only matched by their level of innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s a privilege to join Merlin as they continue to deliver on that ethos on behalf of their members and digital partners around the world.”

Merlin CEO Jeremy Sirota said: “Adam possesses an incredible wealth of experience across music, TV, film, licensing, and consumer brands. I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome him to Merlin in this crucial and strategic role. He is highly respected in his field and brings the right blend of long-term thinking, technical skills, and impressive leadership to benefit Merlin, its members and our partners around the globe.”

Wright joins Merlin during a time of momentous growth. Since last summer, the company also welcomed 37 new members as well as first-time direct members from a number of new countries, including Albania, Iraq, Kenya, Nepal, Pakistan and Turkey.

Merlin’s membership consists of independent labels, distributors, and other rights-holders and boasts deals with nearly 40 digital services, including partners like Apple, Boomplay, Deezer, Meta, SoundCloud, Spotify, TikTok, Triller, Twitch and YouTube Music. Its repertoire of independent music spans tens of thousands of labels and hundreds of thousands of artists globally, accounting for over 15% of the global music market share.