Ek Entrusts Spotify’s Helm to Co-CEOs in Strategic Leadership Shift

In a significant strategic shift, Spotify founder Daniel Ek is entrusting the helm of the company to two new co-CEOs, Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström. Ek, who has been the face of the company for nearly two decades, will move to the role of executive chairman to focus on long-term direction.
The appointment of Söderström (chief product and technology officer) and Norström (chief business officer) as co-CEOs will be official on January 1st. Their promotion from co-presidents is a direct result of their proven track record in leading Spotify’s operational and strategic initiatives since 2023.
The company announced that the move “formalizes” a management style that has already been in practice, ensuring continuity. Ek affirmed this, stating he had already handed over a large part of the day-to-day management to the pair, making this a natural and planned evolution.
In his new capacity, Ek will concentrate on Spotify’s “long arc,” guiding its path through future technological and market shifts. He stressed his role would be active and engaged, in line with the European model of an executive chair, where he will help navigate challenges and opportunities like AI and global growth.
This leadership transition marks a new era for Spotify. It allows the company to benefit from the focused operational leadership of its new co-CEOs, while still retaining the invaluable strategic guidance and visionary drive of its founder.