LONDON, U.K. — Dan Nevin will lead Merlin’s engagement with independent trade associations and strategic partners worldwide as vice president, industry relations.

In this new post, the Australia-born executive will also oversee the independents’ rights organization’s global membership development team, supporting membership growth and diversification, particularly across Asia, Africa, Oceania and other emerging music markets; support targeted membership acquisition and engagement strategies; and develop initiatives that help emerging independent businesses build the capabilities needed to participate in Merlin’s global licensing network.

“The independent sector has never been more globally connected, and Merlin has an important role to play in helping our members succeed in that environment,” comments Merlin CEO Charlie Lexton, to whom he reports. “As we continue to evolve, it’s essential that we build ever stronger relationships around the world, ensuring independent voices are represented wherever the future of music is being shaped.”

Nevin “is uniquely qualified to lead that work,” Lexton continues. “He has earned enormous respect across our community through his integrity and unwavering commitment to independent music, and I’m delighted to see him join the Merlin team in this newly created role.”

Nevin brings to the role more than two decades of experience working with the independent music space. He served as CEO of Australia’s independent music companies trade body AIR from 2014 to 2016, at which point he relocated to the United Kingdom. Before that, he served as digital music manager at JB Hi-Fi, Australia’s largest home entertainment retailer.

Since moving to London a decade ago, Nevin has worked with music companies, labels and distributors as a consultant and adviser.

“I’ve been connected to Merlin since its early days and have long admired and respected what the organisation has done and continues to do in delivering value for its members and the independent sector,” Nevin comments in a statement. “I’m excited to take on this new role and work closely with our members, industry partners and colleagues across Merlin to strengthen connections, support the continued growth of independent businesses around the world and develop initiatives that create meaningful value for both today’s members and the next generation of independent rightsholders.”

Founded in 2008, Merlin now represents the rights of thousands of independent record labels and distributors with a membership that is said to account for roughly 15% of the global recorded music market. Its mission: to ensure the world’s leading independents have access to the deals, tools, and opportunities to succeed in the digital marketplace.