Tom Deakin has joined AudioSalad, a US-born content management, analytics, delivery and distribution platform for record labels, distributors and rights-holders.
Deakin was formerly Director, Global Member Relations at Merlin.
Deakin joins AudioSalad at a time of significant growth for the company. He will establish a UK and European office network and spearhead expansion into EMEA.
Before joining AudioSalad, Deakin served as Director of Global Member Relations at Merlin, the digital licensing organization for the world’s independent music sector.
During Deakin’s time at Merlin, the org licensed over 30 global digital music services – including Apple, Deezer, Pandora, SoundCloud, Spotify, Tencent, TikTok, Triller and YouTube Music – and has paid out multiple billions of dollars to its membership. Merlin says its members cumulatively represent more than a 15% share of the global recorded music market.
In 2021, Deakin received IMPALA’s Outstanding Contribution Award, an award given to an individual or organisation who promote and develop European independent music and the diversity of the sector.
Headquartered in NYC, with offices in Los Angeles and London, AudioSalad is a platform that “allows clients to implement their preferred licensing strategy and power their digital supply chain,” says the company.
AudioSalad is a Preferred Distribution Partner of both Apple Music and Spotify and is also a technology partner of Merlin.
“Deakin is the ideal person to lead AudioSalad into this exciting next chapter of our growth abroad.”
Iain Catling, AudioSalad
Iain Catling, AudioSalad CEO, said: “Having worked closely with Deakin during his successful tenure at Merlin, we saw first hand that he is a true champion of independent music.
“Combined with his experience and great knowledge of the digital music marketplace, Deakin is the ideal person to lead AudioSalad into this exciting next chapter of our growth abroad”
“The company is already empowering some of the most forward-thinking businesses in independent music.”
Tom Deakin
Tom Deakin, added: “As a long-time Merlin member, I’ve known Iain for more than a decade, and always had the utmost respect and admiration for what he’s built at AudioSalad.
“The company is already empowering some of the most forward-thinking businesses in independent music, providing the tools and services for them to thrive in a fast-paced digital environment, and I can’t wait to help drive this next stage of their evolution.”Music Business Worldwide
