Entertainment

Spotify Founder Daniel Ek to Step Down as CEO in 2026

OCT 1 2025·Updated OCT 2 2025

Story

Above: Daniel Ek, co-founder and CEO of Spotify, at the Acquired LIVE event in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 10, 2024. Image credit: David Paul Morris/Contributor/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The Facts

Spotify announced on Tuesday that founder Daniel Ek will step down as CEO on Jan. 1, 2026, transitioning to executive chairman while Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström become co-CEOs. The Stockholm-based streaming company said this change formalizes operations since 2023.
The Associated Press
guardian
Forbes
The leadership transition reflects how Spotify has operated since 2023, with Söderström and Norström leading strategic development and operational execution. Ek stated he had already turned over significant day-to-day management responsibilities to the pair.
BBC News
Nasdaq
Spotify shares declined in premarket trading following the announcement, with the stock increasing overall this past year. The company now maintains a market capitalization exceeding $140 billion with over 700 million monthly users globally.
CNBC
TradingView
As executive chairman, Ek will focus on long-term strategy, capital allocation and regulatory efforts while remaining actively involved in major company decisions. The role reflects a European chairman structure rather than a ceremonial position.
Variety
Business Chief North America
Ek's investment activities through Prima Materia include leading a €600 million ($704 million) funding round for German defense company Helsing, which develops AI-powered military technology. This investment prompted some artists to boycott Spotify over ethical concerns.
Verge
Financial Times
The incoming co-CEOs have each worked at Spotify for over 15 years, with Norström handling business operations and Söderström overseeing product and technology development. Board director Woody Marshall expressed confidence in their readiness for leadership roles.
The Hollywood Reporter
Business Chief North America

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

Daniel Ek's transition to executive chairman represents a natural evolution for Spotify after nearly two decades of remarkable growth under his leadership. The company has revolutionized the music industry, grown to over 700 million users, and achieved sustained profitability while paying out billions to artists and creators worldwide.

Spotify

Los Angeles Times

Narrative B

Spotify's leadership change comes at a time when the platform has faced serious censorship issues targeting conservative voices. The company ramped up its censorship after leftist backlash to Joe Rogan's podcast deal, forming a progressive Safety Advisory Council to police content. Steve Bannon's WarRoom was banned for five years before finally being restored in 2025.

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