Spotify’s Daniel Ek Transitions to Executive Chairman for Hands-On Leadership

## Daniel Ek Transitions from CEO to Executive Chairman

Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek is set to step down from his role as CEO and will assume a new position as executive chairman. He shared this news in a letter to Spotify staff on September 30, 2025. The change in leadership will officially take effect on January 1, 2026.

### New Leadership Structure

In this transition, Gustav Söderström, who serves as the co-president and chief product and technology officer, and Alex Norström, the co-president and chief business officer, will step into the roles of co-CEOs. Although his title may be changing, Ek will still play an essential role in steering Spotify’s future. He intends to focus on key areas such as strategy, capital allocation, and regulatory efforts.

Ek stated that Söderström and Norström would continue to report to him, and he emphasized the collaborative approach within the company’s board of directors. He described the new leadership structure as reflecting a “European Chairman setup,” implying a more hands-on style compared to typical U.S. practices.

### Ek’s Perspective on His Role

“I have always thought about roles as missions,” Ek noted in his letter. He has undertaken numerous responsibilities throughout his time at Spotify, from assembling furniture and negotiating deals in the company’s early days to leading various departments over the years. This leadership change marks yet another mission for him, reinforcing his ongoing commitment to Spotify’s vision.

### Current Challenges for Spotify

Spotify continues to lead the music streaming industry, but it is navigating a challenging landscape. The company faces criticism regarding its royalty payout system, alongside emerging issues like AI-generated music and streaming fraud. Ek has also come under scrutiny from artists protesting against his affiliations with Helsing, a German defense technology firm focused on artificial intelligence.

Addressing these challenges, Ek remarked that “all eyes (and ears) are on us,” acknowledging Spotify’s prominent role in the ongoing discourse within the music industry. He also expressed his commitment to continuing efforts to develop “supercompanies” in Europe that address significant societal challenges.

### Looking Ahead

As Spotify undergoes these leadership changes, the future remains dynamic and uncertain. With new co-CEOs stepping up and Ek shifting into a role that prioritizes strategic oversight, the company is poised to tackle the hurdles ahead.

What are your thoughts on this leadership transition at Spotify? How do you think it will impact the music streaming landscape?