Spotify shared an update on its leadership and a message from its CEO with employees, reflecting on the company’s growth and future plans.
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Stockholm-based Spotify, a global audio streaming platform, announced that founder and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Ek will move to the position of Executive Chairman effective January 1, 2026.
The company has also named Gustav Söderström, co-President and Chief Product and Technology Officer, and Alex Norström, co-President and Chief Business Officer, as its new co-Chief Executive Officers.
Both will report to Ek and join the company’s Board of Directors, subject to shareholder approval.
As Executive Chairman, Ek will oversee capital allocation, define long-term planning, and continue to provide support to the senior leadership team.
Daniel Ek says, “I always believed that Spotify could play an important role in revolutionising listening around the world, and with more than 700 million users, we’ve truly charted a new course, bringing creativity to every corner of the globe.”
“Over the last few years, I’ve turned over a large part of the day-to-day management and strategic direction of Spotify to Alex and Gustav–who have shaped the company from our earliest days and are now more than ready to guide our next phase. This change simply matches titles to how we already operate.”
“In my role as Executive Chairman, I will focus on the long arc of the company and keep the Board and our co-CEOs deeply connected through my engagement.”
Brief about the new co-Presidents
Since 2023, Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström have led strategic development and operational execution at Spotify in their roles as co-Presidents. The shift to co-CEOs formalises this arrangement.
The new co-CEOs, in a joint statement, mention, “We’ve worked together a very long time and have seen Spotify through many different chapters. Nearly three years ago, when we stepped into our role as co-Presidents, we charged our teams with relentlessly focusing on building the best and most valuable experience available anywhere, and that ambition hasn’t changed.”
“While we bring different experiences and perspectives to the CEO role, we both have a strong bias to action and can’t wait to get started, knowing that we will have Daniel’s full partnership and ongoing support.”
Woody Marshall, Lead Independent Director of Spotify’s Board, adds, “The Board has been working closely with Daniel on the evolution of Spotify’s leadership structure for several years. We have tremendous confidence in Alex and Gustav as they step into these roles.”
“They each have more than fifteen years with the company and have been instrumental in driving our success and enabling Spotify to lead our industry. We are also thrilled that Daniel will be actively involved, giving Spotify both founder-led strategic stewardship and mentorship to the co-CEOs as the company continues to innovate and scale.”
Ek’s message to employees
Earlier today, Daniel Ek also addressed employees in a company-wide note. He mentions, ”In a small makeshift office in Riddargatan, Stockholm, a few of us set out to solve what felt like an impossible idea: to make every song available instantly, legally, in a product people love.”
“Fast forward almost 20 years later, and that ‘impossible idea’ has become a platform that is used by almost three-quarters of a billion people around the globe. We’ve helped reshape an industry that is not only growing again, but reaching new heights.”
“I don’t often pause to reflect because looking ahead has always been my instinct. But I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created together—a beloved user experience, a business that thrives, and a team that continues to raise the bar.”
Ek described the transition as his next mission within the company. “With full confidence in Gustav and Alex, on January 1, 2026, I will move to Executive Chairman, and Gustav and Alex will become our co-CEOs, and they will also join our Board of Directors (with approval from shareholders),” he wrote.
He added that while his title will change, his commitment to the company will remain.
Brief about Spotify
Launched in 2008, Spotify allows users to access music, podcasts, and audiobooks on phones, computers, tablets, and other devices. It offers both subscription and free listening options.
The platform provides over 100 million tracks, nearly 7 million podcast titles, and 350,000 audiobooks. Users can search for content, create playlists, browse collections from artists and friends, or listen to radio stations. The company reported 696 million users, including 276 million subscribers, across 184 markets.
