Merlin, Inc. filed a Form 8-K on October 27, 2026, disclosing the appointment of Mark Brunner, previously the company's Chief Revenue Officer, as President, effective immediately.

Key Highlights

  • New President: Mark Brunner, age 60, was appointed President of Merlin, Inc. on October 27, 2026, effective immediately.
  • Prior role retained: Matthew George remains Chief Executive Officer, principal executive officer, and Chairman of the Board.
  • Internal promotion: Brunner had served as Chief Revenue Officer of the company since April 2026.
  • Defense technology background: Before joining Merlin, Brunner held senior roles at PsiQuantum (Executive Vice President, Public Sector, July 2024 to March 2026) and Primer AI (President, Public Sector, January 2022 to July 2024).
  • Military service: According to the filing, Brunner served 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a pilot.
  • No special arrangements: The filing states there are no arrangements or understandings between Brunner and any other persons pursuant to which he was appointed.

Brunner's Appointment and Background at Merlin, Inc.

According to the Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 27, 2026, the Board of Directors of Merlin, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRLN) appointed Mark Brunner as President, effective immediately. Brunner had been serving as Chief Revenue Officer of the company since April 2026. The filing notes that Matthew George, who previously held the titles of Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman of the Board, will continue as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, relinquishing only the President title.

The filing details Brunner's professional history prior to joining Merlin. He served as Executive Vice President, Public Sector for PsiQuantum from July 2024 to March 2026, and as President, Public Sector for Primer AI from January 2022 to July 2024. Before those roles, he was Vice President at The Cohen Group from April 2015 to December 2021 and served as a Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Mark Warner. The filing also notes his service as a Commissioner on the Atlantic Council's Commission on Defense Innovation Adoption and on the International Council of the Aerospace Industries Association.

The filing discloses that Brunner holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Tulane University and a master's degree in International Relations and National Security Studies from Georgetown University. The company also disclosed that there are no family relationships between Brunner and any director or executive officer, and that Brunner has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

What Was Disclosed

Merlin, Inc. disclosed the appointment of Mark Brunner as President on October 27, 2026, effective immediately. Matthew George retains the CEO and Chairman roles. The filing confirms no special arrangements or conflicts of interest related to the appointment.