Bugwu Aneto-Okeke, Founder and CEO of the Lagos- and Houston-based digital distribution firm Measurable Accurate Digital Solutions (M.A.D Solutions), has been elected to the Merlin Board, the global digital licensing agency announced today.
Aneto-Okeke joins the Merlin board as one of five newly elected members. The board is elected by Merlin’s membership, which represents tens of thousands of independent labels, distributors, and rightsholders worldwide.
His election places him alongside established industry leaders from companies including Secretly Group (US), Ninja Tune (US), Domino (UK), Hopeless Records (US), and Mushroom (Australia).
The appointment follows the conclusion of Michael Ugwu’s tenure on the Merlin Board. Ugwu, the CEO of Freeme Digital, served two terms after being appointed in 2019 as the first Nigerian to hold the position.
“We are delighted to welcome our new Board Members, each of whom brings a unique and high value perspective to Merlin,” said Charlie Lexton, CEO of Merlin. “As the digital landscape continues to evolve, our Board’s experience across markets and business types is an invaluable resource.”
We Are Delighted To Welcome Our New Board Members, Each Of Whom Brings A Unique And High Value Perspective To Merlin,“Merlin’s Dedication To Delivering Unique Benefits And Best In Class Deals Is At The Heart Of Our Mission.
Charlie Lexton, CEO, Merlin.
Aneto-Okeke brings over 15 years of experience in mobile VAS, digital marketing, and analytics to the role. Founded in 2017, his company, M.A.D Solutions, has grown into a pan-African and diasporic distribution and marketing firm.
The company’s catalog and its operations span Lagos, Houston, and Brazil. Its services include the proprietary M.A.D Backstage distribution platform, Engage Pro for marketing, and M.A.D Publishing Administration.
In a statement on the appointment, Aneto-Okeke said the role creates an opportunity “to ensure African markets are more deeply integrated into global digital licensing conversations, while contributing practical, on the ground insight from one of the fastest growing music regions in the world. I’m also glad to serve alongside such a respected group of industry leaders from across the globe.”
For Over A Decade, My Work Has Focused On Building Music Infrastructure Across Africa, From Digital Distribution And Rights Management To Helping African Labels And Artists Scale Globally. I’m Proud To Bring This Experience To Merlin, Whose Mission Is To Empower Independent Music Companies Worldwide
Bugwu Aneto-Okeke
Other newly elected board members include Charles Caldas of Exceleration, Manami Ogawa of Starbase in Japan, Rachel Buswell of Domino in the UK, and Sascha Lazimbat of Germany’s Zebralution.
The appointment expands Merlin’s board representation to 12 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Oceania.
