Spotify exec David Kaefer

David Kaefer (Photo Credit: Spotify)

Spotify exec David Kaefer is out after seven years with the company — and just moments after new co-CEOs Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström took control.

David Kaefer, a top executive at Spotify in charge of the company’s music and audiobook business, is suddenly “stepping down” after seven years with the streaming giant. He will be leaving the company at the end of this month.

Kaefer’s departure was confirmed to Digital Music News by multiple Spotify staffers. The departure was shared via an internal company email sent by Alex Norström, who just took over as Spotify’s co-President and Chief Business Officer as founder and CEO Daniel Ek shifts into an Executive Chairman role.

“It has been a great pleasure to work with and learn from David Kaefer, particularly from his leadership across key music functions, including Editorial, Partnerships, and GTM, as well as his extensive experience navigating innovative industry deals,” wrote Norström in an email sent to staff. “I’ve always valued his strategic savviness, and his unique blend of toughness and humor.”

Replacing Kaefer will be Charlie Hellman, who will take up the mantle as SVP and Global Head of Music at Spotify. Hellman has been at the company for over a decade, and reportedly carries some clout within Spotify for developing much of the platform’s recommendations and social features.

Kaefer also shared a send-off statement with the company, expressing excitement about the next stage in his career journey, which will focus heavily on tech and media investing and advising. He also noted an emphasis on sustainability initiatives.

But with Kaefer’s departure announced so quickly on the heels of Daniel Ek’s exit (Daniel’s Ek-sit, anyone?), it begs the question of whether this is the first of many heads to roll at the Swedish streaming giant. It’s too soon to say for sure, but this is reportedly a major concern among staff at Spotify HQ.

That comes as no surprise, given that the company recently underwent a slew of layoffs. The expectation among Spotify employees seems to be that this is a C-suite power battle, with bloodletting on the horizon—rather than a rank-and-file slashing.