Gustav Söderström
Awards & Honours
0
Awards Won
1
Honours
8
Records
Gustav Söderström's career is defined by his role in scaling Spotify into a $70B+ audio giant. As Co-CEO since 2026, he previously served as Chief Product & Technology Officer, overseeing innovations like Discover Weekly and AI DJ. He founded Kenet Works (acquired by Yahoo!) and invested in 13th Lab (acquired by Oculus). His leadership has driven Spotify to 626 million users and 31% global streaming market share, with podcasts now accounting for over 30% of listening time.
Honours & Distinctions
Spotify Board of Directors Member
Appointed as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Director, responsible for company mission, strategy, and management team leadership.
Records & Feats
Founder & CEO of Kenet Works
Founded Kenet Works in 2003, developing pioneering community software for mobile phones; served as CEO until full acquisition by Yahoo! in 2006.
Director of Product & Business Development, Yahoo! Mobile
Led product strategy for Yahoo! Mobile division post-acquisition, scaling mobile services amid rise of smartphones.
Spotify Executive Since Inception
Joined Spotify in 2009 as one of its earliest executives; oversaw product, design, data, and engineering teams, driving evolution from music streaming to podcasts and AI playlists.
Co-President, Chief Product & Technology Officer
Held role overseeing global product/tech strategy; launched personalized playlists, podcast integration, and social listening, growing Spotify to 626 million users and $15B+ revenue by 2025.
Promotion to Co-Chief Executive Officer
Elevated January 1, 2026, co-leading Spotify's management team and board strategy amid 40%+ YoY user growth.
Founder & Seed Investor in 13th Lab
Founded and invested in VR startup 13th Lab, acquired by Facebook's Oculus in 2014; advanced early VR hardware/software for immersive experiences.
Pioneered Spotify's AI-Driven Personalization
Under his R&D leadership, launched Discover Weekly (2015, 2B+ hours streamed in first year) and AI DJ (2023), setting industry standards; Spotify holds 31% global music streaming market share (2025 IFPI report).
Drove Spotify's Podcast Expansion
Oversaw 2019–2025 growth to 6.5M+ podcasts, including $1B+ acquisitions (e.g., Gimlet, The Ringer); podcasts now 30%+ of listening time.