Spotify is getting a new look at the very top of its leadership structure. Founder Daniel Ek is stepping down as CEO to become the executive chair, a move that installs a co-CEO model with two of his key executives, Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström, taking the reins.
The new leadership team will be in place starting January 1st. The promotion of Söderström and Norström from their co-president roles formalizes their position as the heads of the company’s operational and strategic efforts, a responsibility they have held since 2023.
According to a company press release, this change is meant to align job titles with the reality of how Spotify has been functioning. Ek supported this, stating that this move simply acknowledges the roles his two lieutenants have already been successfully performing.
As executive chairman, Ek will adopt a new focus on long-term strategy and innovation. He plans to be an engaged and active chair, guiding Spotify’s approach to AI, its expansion into new global markets, and its relationships with key external stakeholders like governments.
This top-down restructuring marks a significant milestone in Spotify’s journey. It reflects the company’s growth and complexity, creating a leadership framework that it believes is best suited to maintain its industry dominance and drive future innovation.