The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) today announced several new hires who will help lead the company’s finance, public relations and rights management efforts.
“I’m excited to welcome three new executives to The MLC’s leadership team as we continue to build our organization,” said The MLC’s Chief Executive Officer Kris Ahrend. “Monique, Natalie and Maurice each possess many years of experience working in the music industry, they are recognized leaders in their fields, and they are well-respected by their peers. I am grateful that they have decided to join The MLC.”
New employees include:
Monique Benjamin, Head of Finance
As Head of Finance, Monique will lead The MLC’s internal budgeting process and track The MLC’s operational costs. She will also lead The MLC’s efforts to set-up its initial internal financial policies and processes. She brings more than 18 years of experience to The MLC. Monique began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and then transitioned to the music industry. She held various finance-related roles at Word Entertainment and Warner Music Nashville, eventually rising through the ranks to become Warner’s Senior Vice President of Finance.
Natalie Kilgore, Head of Public Relations
As Head of Public Relations, Natalie will oversee The MLC’s external communications, including those aimed at The MLC’s songwriter and music publisher stakeholders. A long-time creative champion, Natalie brings nearly two decades of publicity experience in the music and entertainment industries. Her professional endeavors include launching the in-house publicity departments for both the Big Machine Label Group and BBR Music Group and serving as the Communications Director for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
Maurice Russell, Head of Rights Management
As The MLC’s Head of Rights Management, Maurice will lead The MLC’s internal team of publishing experts, providing support and subject-matter expertise to all The MLC’s operational teams. In addition, Maurice and his team will lead The MLC’s publisher relations efforts, ensuring that music publishers always have a direct line of communication with The MLC. Finally, Maurice will coordinate The MLC’s operational relationship with the Harry Fox Agency (HFA), The MLC’s primary outside vendor for administration. Maurice most recently served as the CEO / Founder of consultancy firm Media Rights Management (MRM) where he helped his clients navigate the music industry’s growing licensing and data challenges. A recognized industry expert in matters pertaining to music publishing administration, Maurice has served on advisory groups at the U.S. Copyright Office and the U.S. Patent and Trade Office, and he has also been a long-time participant in the Digital Data Exchange (DDEX), the preeminent music industry standards-setting organization.
The MLC remains on track to begin issuing blanket licenses to U.S. digital streaming services in January 2021.
To learn more about careers at The MLC, visit our careers page.