Spotify CEO Daniel Ek to Step Down in January 2026
Daniel Ek, the co-founder and long-time CEO of Spotify, announced that he will resign from his role as chief executive officer effective January 1, 2026. Ek, who has been the public face of the company since its inception, will not leave Spotify entirely but will transition to the position of executive chairman.
New Leadership Structure at Spotify
Following Ek’s departure from the CEO role, Spotify will be led by two co-CEOs: Gustav Söderström, the current Chief Product and Technology Officer, and Alex Norström, the Chief Business Officer. Both executives have been serving as co-presidents since 2023, and the company praised their contributions in a recent press release, describing this leadership change as a formal recognition of the existing management dynamics.
Ek stated, “I have always believed Spotify could revolutionize how people listen to music worldwide. With over 700 million users, we have charted a new course, bringing creativity to every corner of the globe.” He added that in recent years, he has delegated much of the daily management and strategic direction to Söderström and Norström, who have been integral to Spotify’s growth from the early days. “This change simply aligns titles with how we already operate,” Ek explained. As executive chairman, he will focus on the company’s long-term vision and maintain close engagement with the board and the new co-CEOs.
Spotify’s Evolution and Challenges
Since its launch in Sweden in 2006, Spotify has grown into the world’s largest music streaming platform, expanding its offerings beyond music to include podcasts, audiobooks, and video content. Despite its success, the company has faced criticism from artists over the years regarding the compensation they receive from the platform.
Recently, Spotify has encountered increased pressure as some artists have threatened to leave or have already exited the platform in protest against Ek and the company’s policies. This ongoing tension highlights the challenges Spotify faces in balancing the interests of creators with its business model as it continues to evolve.
Looking Ahead
Daniel Ek’s move to executive chairman marks a significant shift in Spotify’s leadership but signals continuity in its strategic direction. With Söderström and Norström at the helm as co-CEOs, the company aims to navigate its next phase of growth while addressing the concerns of its vast user base and content creators worldwide.
