MERLIN OPENS NEW YORK OFFICE - APPOINTS JIM MAHONEY AS GENERAL MANAGER US

16 October 2014 - Press release

Merlin, the global rights agency for the independent label sector, has today announced the official opening of its New York office - appointing Jim Mahoney as General Manager US.

The move will ensure Merlin has a permanent base in the world’s largest music market, with the new premises situated at 154 Grand Street, in the NoLita section of Manhattan. The office will open on November 1st 

Merlin’s US membership already accounts for approximately 1/3 of its global business and represents its largest segment of members by territory - with labels and distributors including ATO, Beggars Group, Compass Music Group, Domino Records, Dualtone Music, Entertainment One, Epitaph, Hopeless Records, Merge Records, Naxos USA, Ninja Tune, Razor & Tie, Rhymesayers Entertainment, Secretly Label Group/SC Distribution, Wind-up Records and Yep Roc Records/Redeye Distribution

In June 2014, Merlin reported that payments to its global membership are expected to exceed $160m over the next 12 months. In August, Merlin announced details of its groundbreaking partnership with Pandora - the internet radio company’s first direct label deal.

Heading the US office will be Jim Mahoney, formerly VP of the Association of Independent Music (A2IM) the non-profit trade organisation representing US independent music companies. With over 20 years of experience in the independent label sector (including executive positions at Fat Beats, Roadrunner and Profile) Jim will maintain and develop Merlin’s US membership - offering US independents a greater insight of the value that Merlin can offer their digital business. He will also oversee day-to-day relationships with US-based digital services.

Charles Caldas, Merlin CEO said: “Merlin prides itself on being a truly global operation, so to open a permanent office in the world’s largest music market was a logical step - especially as we aim to break new ground for independent labels, such as our recently announced partnership with Pandora.

“We are also delighted to welcome Jim Mahoney to the organisation. As well as a hugely experienced executive, Jim is widely-respected figure among the independent community and is uniquely placed to support our US members and bring additional value to their business.”

Jim Mahoney, Merlin US GM said: “This is an exciting time to be joining Merlin, and the opening of our US office marks a real statement of intent. Having spent 20 years working for or in the service of US independent music labels, I have a close understanding of the passion and tireless work that they provide on behalf of their artists and the value that they deliver both to fans and digital services.

“As a result, I believe that the services offered by Merlin will be greatly enhanced - giving our US members greater control over their digital business, and helping to grow the digital market overall.”

Commencing operations in 2008, Merlin has offices in London and New York, with a head office in Amsterdam. 

In October 2013, Merlin appointed Roger Gold as commercial and strategic advisor in the US.