Spotify's Head of Music and Audiobooks to Depart After Seven-Year Tenure

David Kaefer Steps Down as Head of Spotify's Music and Audiobook Businesses Spotify announced on Wednesday (Oct. 1) that David Kaefer, the company's global head of music and audiobook business, will leave his position at the end of October after seven years with the company. According to an internal memo and a LinkedIn post by Kaefer, he will be succeeded by Charlie Hellman, currently Spotify's VP-global head of music product. Hellman has been with Spotify since 2011 and was instrumental in building some of the company's first recommendation and social features. Kaefer's departure marks a significant change for Spotify, which has seen rapid growth in its audiobook business since its launch in 2022. As global head of music and audiobook business, Kaefer led the company's music licensing and partnerships efforts, as well as its growing audiobook division. In his LinkedIn post, Kaefer stated that after leaving Spotify, he plans to be an advisor and invest in tech, media, and sustainability. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a talented team," Kaefer wrote. "I'm excited to take on new challenges and explore new opportunities." Kaefer's departure comes as Spotify is undergoing significant changes under its CEO Daniel Ek, who announced last week that he will step down on January 1, 2026, to be replaced by two co-CEOs. Industry analysts say Kaefer's departure may have an impact on the company's music licensing and partnerships efforts. "David Kaefer has been a key player in Spotify's growth strategy," said one analyst. "His departure will likely lead to some changes in the company's approach to music licensing and partnerships." Spotify's stock price has been relatively stable since the announcement, but some analysts are cautioning that Kaefer's departure could have long-term implications for the company. In a statement, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said: "I want to thank David for his contributions to Spotify. We appreciate his dedication and commitment to our mission." Kaefer's successor, Charlie Hellman, will take on the role of senior VP and global head of music. Hellman has been with Spotify since 2011 and has played a key role in building some of the company's most successful features. Spotify's audiobook business has seen significant growth since its launch in 2022, with the company signing major deals with publishers such as Penguin Random House and Hachette Book Group. Kaefer's departure may lead to changes in this area, but analysts say it is too early to tell what impact his departure will have. As for Kaefer himself, he has expressed enthusiasm for his next chapter. "I'm excited to take on new challenges and explore new opportunities," he wrote in his LinkedIn post. *Reporting by Billboard.*