Merlin Opens New York Office – Appoints Jim Mahoney as General Manager US
Merlin, the global rights agency representing a wide variety of successful indie artists, has announced the opening of a New York office and their appointment of Jim Mahoney, former VP to American Association of Independent Music as their General Manager US.
This expansion to the United States, where membership currently accounts approximately 1/3 of the company’s global business, ensures Merlin a prominent and permanent location in the epicenter of the world’s largest music market. The New York Office, located at 154 Grand Street in the NoLita section of Manhattan, will open November 1st. Jim Mahoney, who brings over 20 years of experience in the independent label sector will head the New York office maintaining and developing Merlin’s US memberships as well as overseeing day-to-day relationships with US based digital services.
Merlin CEO, Charles Caldas 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.”
He went on to welcome Jim Mahoney to the company saying: “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.”
Since the start of operations in 2008, Merlin now has offices in London and New York with a head office in Amsterdam. In June of 2014, Merlin projected payments to global memberships to exceed $160m over the next year. In August they unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Pandora, sealing the internet radio company’s first direct label deal. An exciting time to be joining Merlin, indeed!
