As the COO of Merlin (www.merlinnetwork.org), the independent’s digital music licensing partner, Charlie Lexton oversees the company’s commercial affairs and data analytics functions, and is a driving force behind Merlin’s strategic approach to the marketplace.

Charlie has been fundamental in establishing Merlin’s reputation and success, securing innovative licensing partnerships with the world’s leading digital partners, including Apple, Canva, Meta, Spotify, TenCent, TikTok, YouTube and 40 other innovative platforms around the world. He played a pivotal role in the transfer of $100m+ of recorded music assets to the independent sector as a condition of Warner Music Group’s acquisition of Parlophone Label Group from Universal Music Group.

Beyond deal making, Charlie ensures that Merlin’s independent members benefit from opportunities previously only available to the major record companies, ranging from large scale copyright infringement recoveries to equity opportunities where for example he negotiated the acquisition and ultimately the sale of Merlin’s stake in Spotify (for an estimated price in excess of $125m). He is now leading Merlin’s initiative to provide its members with unique and actionable insights based on analysis of Merlin’s collective data set.

Following stints at the majors (at UMG and EMI where he headed up Business Affairs for the EMEA region) and independent labels (Dorado Records and City Rockers), Charlie joined Merlin as Head of Business Affairs in 2008, taking on the additional role of General Counsel two years later. He was elevated to Chief Commercial Officer & General Counsel in May 2018, and Chief Operating Officer in April 2020. 

He was recognised in 2024 by Billboard magazine as one of the music industry’s International Power Players.