Merlin has announced news of a 25% reduction in administration fees for its members, as well as an expansion of its team.
Last week, the independent sector’s global digital rights agency publicised a licensing agreement with Spotify, and CEO Charles Caldas revealed its latest news in front of delegates at AIM’s Music Connected conference in London today (April 26).
Dropping from 2% to 1.5% of 1.5% of revenues, the new administration fee is the sixth such reduction in five years, with rates falling by almost 80% since 2012.
The period 2012-2017 has seen Merlin’s royalty distributions to its near-800 members increase more than eightfold, from $36m in 2012 to $300m in the past 12 months.
Merlin has also announced Helen Alexander’s appointment as its new finance director. A qualified chartered accountant, Alexander previously served as director of operations and business development at Warner Bros’ post-production facility.
Reporting to Caldas, she will oversee all finance, royalty and operations functions, and will lead the development and implementation of further improvements to the company’s processes, ensuring that members continue to receive outstanding service.
Alexander joins a team that includes general counsel and head of business affairs, Charlie Lexton, Other key head of global member services and communications Tom Deakin; general manager, USA, Jim Mahoney; Japan GM, Haji Taniguchi; head of finance, Becky Bishop; head of royalties, Liza Dickson; director, business and legal affairs, Ryan McWhinnie and head of technical operations, Chris Tarbet.
Caldas commented: “On the back of our new agreement with Spotify, I am proud to announce yet another reduction in our administration fee. Together it means Merlin continues to deliver maximum value to our members’ digital business, and highlights our ongoing commitment to provide ever greater efficiencies. This service level will be further enhanced by the appointment of Helen Alexander as finance director. Helen is a key addition to our team. She brings with her a wealth of experience and, at a time of explosive global growth in our market, will ensure that all internal finance, reporting and operations processes continue to run smoothly."
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