Spotify Founder Daniel Ek Steps Down as CEO, Ushering in New Leadership Era
Stockholm, Sweden – Spotify founder Daniel Ek is transitioning out of the CEO role, effective immediately, the company announced today. Ek will remain Chairman of the Board, while current Chief Financial Officer horst Hausner will assume the position of interim CEO as the Board conducts a search for a permanent successor. This marks a notable shift for the streaming giant, which operates in 184 markets and boasts over 700 million users.
The leadership change comes as Spotify reports its first full year of profitability, signaling a period of stability and growth. However, the timing has drawn scrutiny due to Ek’s recent investment in Helsing, a European defense technology startup, through his firm Prima Materia, backed by €600 million. This investment has sparked controversy, leading several artists – including Massive Attack and Deerhoof – to remove their music from Spotify in protest, citing ethical concerns about supporting military technology.
Spotify maintains the leadership realignment has been in planning for years, positioning the company for its next phase of expansion.Ek emphasized the business’s strength and ability to navigate this transition. Hausner, in his interim role, will focus on maintaining operational momentum while the Board identifies a long-term CEO to lead Spotify’s continued growth in the competitive streaming landscape. the move signals a potential turning point for the company as it seeks to balance financial success with growing ethical considerations within the music industry.
