Spotify founder Daniel Ek is stepping down as CEO, transitioning to executive chairman on January 1, 2026. Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström, Spotify’s co-presidents, will take over as co-CEOs, continuing to serve on the board and report to Ek.
Ek will focus on long-term strategy, capital allocation, and mentoring senior leadership, while Söderström and Norström handle day-to-day operations. The transition has been planned over several years, ensuring continuity and founder-led guidance.
Since its 2006 launch, Spotify has grown into a global streaming leader with 276 million paid subscribers and 696 million monthly active users, expanding into podcasts, audiobooks, and video. India is now a key growth market, with 57 million monthly active users.
Söderström, chief product and technology officer, oversees product, design, data, and engineering, while Norström, chief business officer, manages subscribers, advertising, and content. The co-CEO model mirrors Netflix’s leadership structure, combining complementary expertise under Ek’s strategic oversight.