Secretly Distribution has promoted Kristian Downs to the newly created role of Executive Director, Platform Operations, reflecting the independent distributor's growing investment in technology infrastructure. Downs will report to Chris Welz, the company's Chief Operating Officer and Partner, and will retain oversight of the Digital Operations team while assuming broader strategic responsibility for the firm's platform systems.

Central to the new remit is RIOT, Secretly Distribution's proprietary repertoire management system, which Downs helped develop alongside technology partner Babel Ops; he will now lead its ongoing development along with future metadata and operational tools. Downs, who joined the company in 2020 after senior roles at AWAL/Kobalt and Beggars Group, was named a Billboard UK Power Player in 2026. The promotion follows Secretly Distribution's April acquisition of Babel Ops and its Entertainment Intelligence data platform, a move CEO Darius Van Arman linked to wider industry consolidation as major companies buy up distribution technology firms such as FUGA and Revelator.