Austin Daboh, one of the most senior and best connected figures at Spotify‘s UK HQ, has resigned from the company, MBW has learned.
The executive leaves behind his role as Head of Music Culture & Editorial at Spotify UK.
He is the second popular industry-facing figure to quit the streaming platform this month, following the departure of Global Head of Publishing, Adam Parness.
MBW is told that Daboh is leaving Spotify to join a close competitor – and rumors are now building that competitor is Apple Music.
Daboh joined Spotify in 2016 as Senior Editor, Shows & Editorial, moving over from the music team at BBC Radio 1Xtra.
He was promoted last year, in part as a reflection of his successful brand-building, but also to capitalize on his unrivalled relationships with influential artists, managers and record labels.
Daboh has launched and developed hip-hop/R&B-leaning playlist brands at Spotify including Who We Be, which has also become a successful live UK event in its own right. In addition, he oversees key playlist brands such as Hot Hits UK and New Music Friday.
Apple was recently advertising for a Head of Editorial, UK and Ireland position within its music team – which seems like it could be the perfect fit for Daboh.
That’s not only because of the British exec’s clear relevant experience, but because such a move would reunite Daboh with his former boss, George Ergatoudis.
Ergatoudis was Daboh’s mentor when both execs worked at the BBC. Then, in March 2016, Ergatoudis left his role as Head of Music at Radio 1/1Xtra to join Spotify, in a position which eventually saw him oversee International Shows and Content at Daniel Ek‘s company.
Ergatoudis then jumped ship to Apple last summer, to become Apple Music’s Head of the UK.
Are Ergatoudis and Daboh about to be reunited for a second time? Watch this space…Music Business Worldwide
