A longtime insider just grabbed an ownership stake at Secretly Distribution, locking in leadership continuity after a monster year for the indie powerhouse.
Chris Welz steps into ownership
Chris Welz steps into ownership
- Secretly Distribution elevated Chris Welz from COO to Partner.
- Welz has spent two decades climbing from intern to top executive.
- Darius Van Arman will keep steering the company alongside him.
- As Partner, Welz plans to expand hands-on global distribution support.
- Welz built out the company’s worldwide physical network over the years.
- Digital services and DSP ties grew under his watch.
- Van Arman praised his leadership style and business instincts.
- Anna Bond credited his guidance as core to SD’s identity.
- Secretly Distribution called 2025 its biggest year ever.
- Thousands of releases rolled out from over 100 labels.
- Gold and Platinum plaques stacked up across the roster.
- Bon Iver and Japanese Breakfast marked standout wins.
- Third Man Records and Org Music renewed or signed new deals.
- Rhymesayers and A24 Music sit within the distributor’s lineup.
- Asia Pacific gained a new office in 2025.
- Cargo Independent Distribution launched earlier with Beggars Group and Cargo Records.
