Independent label rights body Merlin has hired Ryan McWhinnie as Director, Legal & Business Affairs.
The newly-created position will see McWhinnie working from the agency’s London office, where he will report to Charlie Lexton, Merlin’s Head of Business Affairs & General Counsel.
McWhinnie joins from media and entertainment law firm Harbottle & Lewis LLP, having previously worked at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP. He has specialised in the music sector – advising clients from both industry and artistic fields, including rara, soundhalo and MAMA & Company.
On behalf of its membership, Merlin has now established itself as a key licensing partner to the world’s leading new-generation digital music services including Beats Music, Deezer, rara, Rdio and Spotify.
In June 2014, Merlin reported that payments to its members are expected to exceed $160m over the next 12 months.
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, Merlin Head of Business Affairs 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.”Music Business Worldwide
