Spotify’s chief content officer is leaving ahead of its IPO

Spotify’s top content executive is leaving, just ahead of the streaming music company’s planned public offering.

Stefan Blom, Spotify’s chief content officer, announced his departure via an internal memo today. The company hasn’t named a successor to Blom, who reported to CEO Daniel Ek.

Blom’s departure comes after Spotify has filed confidential plans to go public via a unique “direct” IPO; the company has been targeting a spring date for the listing.

The timing of Blom’s exit may raise questions for investors as they look at Spotify.

Last year, the executive helped Spotify secure critical licenses with the big music labels that paved the way for the company’s IPO. But he has also been in charge of the company’s attempted push into video, which has stopped and started a few times without gaining traction.

“We are grateful for Stefan’s many contributions to the company over the years and we wish him the very best,” a Spotify rep says. “Looking ahead, the content team is well positioned to execute on our strategy.”

Yesterday, Spotify announced it has 70 million paying subscribers.

This article originally appeared on Recode.net.

Contributions are a key part of the future of Vox

Readers rely on Vox for clear, nuanced coverage that not only illuminates the issues, but poses solutions, too. And we rely on help from our readers: Advertising and grants cover the majority of our costs, but we count on contributions to help us close the gaps in our budget. In fact, we’re looking to reach 95,000 individual contributions before the end of the year. Will you make the next contribution right now? Our average gift is just $20 — and it goes a long way in helping us keep our work free. Vox is here to help everyone understand what’s shaping the world — not just the people who can afford to pay for a subscription. We believe that’s an important part of building a more equal society. Join that mission by making a contribution today.

One-Time Monthly Annual

$5/month

$10/month

$25/month

$50/month

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $5/month

Yes, I'll give $5/month

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via