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Spotify names former Pandora boss Jane Huxley as managing director

Spotify has named Jane Huxley as managing director of its Australian operations, replacing Kate Vale who left earlier this year to “pursue opportunities outside of the business”.

Huxley was formerly managing director of rival streaming service Pandora, which closed down its Australian operations earlier this week. 

 

Jane Huxley surfaces at rival streaming service Spotify

Huxley departed Pandora in March after four and a half years to “pursue other opportunities“.

At the time of her departure from Pandora, Huxley, who has also been CEO and publisher, digital at Fairfax said: “It’s been an amazing ride at Pandora, and I’m so proud of all we have achieved.

During my time we have grown a listener base of over 5 million registered users, successfully implemented the commercial model in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, and established many significant market partnerships.

“With the business on these solid foundations, I’m looking forward to my next adventure.”

In her new role, Huxley will partner with functional leads across ANZ to develop and executive strategic plans for Spotify.

Today, Stefan Blom, Spotify’s chief content officer, said Huxley was “an impressive addition” to the team.

“For more than 25 years Jane has built a career based on innovation, media, technology and disruption, and is a respected and awarded business leader,” he said.

“Jane is an impressive addition to Spotify and we have every confidence in her ability to lead our very successful Australian & New Zealand business through the next phase of growth.”

The news comes as Spotify plans its relocation to One Wharf Lane later this year.

It also comes one month after Pandora was announced as Mumbrella’s Sales Team of the Year.

Spotify’s previous Australian boss Vale launched the streaming service in Australia in 2011. In 2016, Vale moved to Los Angeles ‘temporarily’ with her husband, however remained in her role as ANZ boss, before departing the company after five years to “pursue opportunities outside of the business”.

 

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