Spotify founder Daniel Ek will step into the role of Executive Chairman in January 2026, as the company restructures its executive leadership by appointing Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström as co-Chief Executive Officers. The move marks a significant shift in Spotify’s management structure, reflecting the company’s growth and evolving strategic priorities in the global music streaming market.

Ek, who has served as Spotify’s CEO since its inception, will focus on long-term strategic initiatives, product innovation, and guiding the company’s vision from the chairman’s seat. In his new role, he will remain closely involved with major decisions and key partnerships while delegating day-to-day operational responsibilities to the newly appointed co-CEOs. The transition is aimed at combining Ek’s visionary leadership with a dual operational command to accelerate innovation and expand Spotify’s global footprint.

Gustav Söderström, Spotify’s Chief Research and Development Officer, brings deep experience in product development, including leading efforts in personalisation, recommendations, and podcasting. Alex Norström, previously Chief Freemium Business Officer, has played a pivotal role in revenue growth, subscription strategies, and market expansion. Together, they are expected to drive both product and commercial strategies, ensuring the company continues to innovate while growing its user base and revenue streams.

The co-CEO model reflects a broader trend among tech companies to separate strategic oversight from operational management. By appointing Ek as Executive Chairman, Spotify aims to balance visionary guidance with focused execution across its global business. Analysts suggest the new leadership structure will enable faster decision-making, enhance strategic focus, and strengthen the company’s competitive positioning against rivals in music and audio streaming.

Spotify’s board emphasized that Ek’s continued involvement as Executive Chairman will ensure continuity and stability, while Söderström and Norström’s operational expertise will drive the next phase of growth, including expansion into new markets, further development of podcasts, AI-powered music recommendations, and broader monetization opportunities.