Merlin has strengthened its global leadership team with the appointment of Jon Glass as general counsel.
Based in New York, Glass joins the digital music licensing partner for independent labels and distributors following nearly two decades in senior business & legal affairs leadership roles across the global recorded music business.
He most recently served as SVP, head of digital legal affairs at Warner Music Group, and has also worked in digital business & legal affairs at Sony Music Entertainment and practiced law at firms including Morrison & Foerster LLP.
Glass, who will report to Merlin CEO Charlie Lexton, will lead Merlin's business & legal affairs arm while also taking on responsibility for the organisation's partnerships team.
Jon is one of the most respected legal executives in the digital music business
Charlie Lexton, Merlin
According to Merlin, the move brings together two "closely aligned partner-facing functions" under a single leadership structure.
"Jon is one of the most respected legal executives in the digital music business," said Lexton. "He brings an exceptional combination of legal expertise and commercial judgement with a highly developed understanding of the opportunities and complexities facing Merlin.
"As the digital playing field continues to evolve, we need to ensure we are coordinated in the way we think about the relationships we build with our partners. Bringing our business & legal affairs and partnerships teams together under Jon's leadership is designed to do exactly that and will help us deliver even greater value for our members. I am delighted to welcome Jon to Merlin."
Glass added: "I want to thank Charlie for this opportunity. Merlin has built an extraordinary reputation across the industry, and I’m excited to be joining at such an important time for independent music. Over the course of my career, I’ve watched the digital business develop from downloads to streaming, social platforms, and now AI services.
"I’m looking forward to putting that experience to work for Merlin, its members, and the independent artists those members represent, and working alongside the team here on the organisation’s future legal and partnerships strategy."
