Sep 30, 2025 - Business

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek to step aside

Sara Fischer

CANNES, FRANCE - JUNE 20: Spotify's CEO and Co-Founder Daniel Ek (L) joins author and comedian Trevor Noah to discuss the future of storytelling at Spotify Beach on June 20, 2023 in Cannes, France. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Spotify) — Photo: David M. Benett/Getty Images for Spotify

Spotify CEO and founder Daniel Ek, who has led the audio giant for almost 20 years, is stepping aside and will transition to a new role as executive chair beginning next year, the company said in a statement.

Zoom in: Two co-presidents, Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström, will become co-CEOs, reporting to Ek. They will serve on the board of directors, subject to shareholder approval.

Reality check: Söderström, who also serves as chief technology officer, and Norström, who also serves as chief business officer, have been primed for this transition since they were named co-presidents in 2023.

The big picture: The announcement on Tuesday follows a string of media and tech companies that have started to split key executive roles among two leaders to create a smoother executive transition.

On Monday, Comcast named longtime executive Mike Cavanagh as co-CEO alongside Comcast heir Brian Roberts.
Netflix named Ted Sarandos co-CEO alongside co-founder Reed Hastings in 2020. Hastings transitioned to a role as executive chair in 2023.
Oracle and other tech firms have also named co-CEOs in the past year.

What's next: "As Executive Chairman, Ek's role will more closely reflect a European Chairman setup, where he will determine capital allocation, map the long term future of Spotify and continue to provide support and guidance to its senior team," Spotify said in a statement.

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Spotify CEO Daniel Ek to step aside

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