Merrill attended Princeton University, where he received master's and doctoral degrees in cognitive science.

[14] Previously, Merrill was CIO at Google from 2003-2008, and served as president of EMI Music's digital unit from 2008-2009.

[15] In March 2010, Merrill published the book, Getting Organized in the Google Era: How to Get Stuff Out of Your Head, Find It When You Need It, and Get It Done Right.

[19] Merrill has contributed to business publications including Fast Company and Forbes, where he writes on innovation[20] and culture,[21] and how the two coincide.

He also speaks regularly on innovation, reforming the U.S. financial system, and how credit providers can harness technological advances to change the way creditworthiness and risk are determined.