Spotify founder Daniel Ek will step down as chief executive and become executive chairman from January 1, 2026.
The move follows controversy over Mr Ek’s investment in a German military drone company, which prompted several artists to remove their music. Massive Attack recently pulled their catalogues, protesting Ek’s funding of military AI firm Helsing.
Spotify confirmed on Tuesday that Gustav Soderstrom, co-president and chief product and technology officer, and Alex Norstrom, co-president and chief business officer, will take over as co-chief executives next year. They will, however, report to Mr Ek in his new role as executive chairman.
Founded in 2008, Spotify grew under Mr Ek’s leadership into a platform with more than 276 million subscribers across 184 markets. He said the company now has over 700 million users worldwide.
“I always believed Spotify could revolutionise listening globally,” Ek said, adding that Alex and Gustav have already guided much of the company’s day-to-day management. “This change simply matches titles to how we already operate,” he added.
Woody Marshall, lead independent director of Spotify’s board, said the leadership transition had been carefully planned over several years. He expressed strong confidence in the new co-chief executives, describing them as ready to guide the company through its next phase.
The shake-up reflects both the growing complexity of Spotify’s global operations and the pressures the company faces from artists, investors, and users. Analysts say the new structure may help balance creative innovation with strategic business growth.
Spotify’s move also signals a broader trend in tech companies, where founders shift to chairman roles while trusted deputies manage daily operations.
