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Spotify Founder Daniel Ek Steps Down as CEO After 18 Years, Transitioning to Executive Chairman Role

Longtime Executives Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström to Assume Co-CEO Roles in January 2026

🗞️ Published: 30 September 2025 · Updated: 30 September 2025

In a landmark announcement on September 30, 2025, Daniel Ek, the founder of Spotify, revealed that he will step down as CEO of the music streaming giant effective January 1, 2026. Ek, who has led Spotify since its inception in 2006, will assume the role of executive chairman, ensuring his continued involvement in shaping the company’s long-term strategy. The leadership baton will pass to two of his most trusted deputies, Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström, who will serve as co-CEOs.

A Natural Evolution
Ek framed the leadership transition as a natural progression rather than a dramatic overhaul. “This change simply matches titles to how we already operate,” he explained in a statement. Over the past few years, Ek had increasingly delegated day-to-day management responsibilities to Söderström and Norström, who have been instrumental in driving Spotify’s growth and innovation.

As executive chairman, Ek plans to focus on high-level strategic decisions, including capital allocation, regulatory efforts, and mapping out Spotify’s future trajectory. “I will focus on the long arc of the company and keep the board and our co-CEOs deeply connected through my engagement,” he added.

The New Leadership Duo
Söderström, currently Spotify’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, will oversee products, technology, and innovation. Meanwhile, Norström, the company’s Chief Business Officer, will manage business operations, markets, and content partnerships. Both executives bring over a decade of experience to their new roles, having played pivotal roles in Spotify’s evolution from a Swedish startup to a global powerhouse with more than 700 million monthly active users.

In a joint statement, the incoming co-CEOs expressed enthusiasm for the road ahead. “We’ve worked together a very long time and have seen Spotify through many different chapters,” they said. “Our ambition remains unchanged: to build the best and most valuable experience available anywhere.”

Why Now?
The decision to step aside, Ek explained, was driven by the exceptional performance of his successors rather than external pressures. “Alex and Gustav are truly delivering exceptionally well already,” he noted during a Q&A session with analysts. Ek described his new role as shifting “from being more of a player to more of a coach type model,” emphasizing his commitment to mentoring the co-CEOs and supporting their leadership.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Innovation
Despite stepping back from the CEO role, Ek remains bullish about Spotify’s future. He highlighted untapped opportunities in emerging markets, technological advancements like AI, and the company’s potential to expand its user base significantly. Currently, Spotify serves just 3% of the world’s population on a recurring basis—a figure Ek believes could grow to 10% or even 15%.

AI, in particular, excites Söderström, who sees it as “the most exciting time for product development in probably 15 to 20 years.” He emphasized the importance of leveraging AI to enhance personalization, improve recommendations, and explore new form factors.

Legacy and Criticism
Under Ek’s leadership, Spotify revolutionized the music industry, offering a legal alternative to piracy and becoming the world’s leading audio streaming platform. However, his tenure has not been without controversy. Critics have accused Spotify of underpaying artists, while Ek’s investments in companies like Helsing, which develops AI-powered military systems, have drawn scrutiny.

Nevertheless, Ek’s impact on the tech landscape is undeniable. With a net worth of approximately $10 billion, he has also become a prominent European tech investor, backing startups tackling some of today’s biggest challenges.

What’s Next for Spotify?
As the company enters this new chapter, the leadership transition signals a blend of continuity and fresh perspectives. Ek’s strategic oversight, combined with the operational expertise of Söderström and Norström, positions Spotify to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape.

For now, Ek remains optimistic. “I still believe, with every fiber of my being, that we’re early on this journey,” he said. “And when you look out and see what’s still left on the table for Spotify, there are some amazing opportunities.”

With its sights set on reaching new audiences and harnessing cutting-edge technologies, Spotify is poised to continue shaping the future of audio consumption—and Ek’s legacy as its founder ensures his influence will endure long into the next era.

He will transition to an executive chairman role on January 1, 2026, while co-presidents Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström take over as co-CEOs.

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