Soundcloud names Michael Weissman as new CEO

to succeed Kerry Trainor in 2021

Share 
Image Courtesy Soundcloud

Whos Who in the Biz category interest

SoundCloud President, Michael Weissman, will succeed Kerry Trainor as the company’s next Chief Executive Officer — effective January 1, 2021. Weissman succeeds longtime colleague and partner, Trainor, who will remain a member of the Board of Directors.

“I’m honored to lead SoundCloud’s next chapter,” said Michael Weissman, President, SoundCloud. "The company is in one of its most exciting moments in its history, and I’m thrilled to work alongside SoundCloud's team and Board to lean into our unique position and opportunity in music. Kerry and I have worked together for nearly a decade, and I want to thank him for his vision and leadership to reposition SoundCloud for growth and, personally, for his partnership, friendship, and support for me to take the helm.” 

Since joining the company in 2017, Weissman has been a key leader in driving SoundCloud’s growth. He joined the company as Chief Operating Officer, and was promoted to President in 2019. He has been instrumental in expanding SoundCloud as the principal architect of some of the company’s key strategic initiatives including its music licensing efforts, its U.S. ad sales partnership with Pandora, and the acquisition and integration of artist services company, Repost Network. 

Added Kerry Trainor, Chief Executive Officer, SoundCloud: “When I first organized the group to invest in SoundCloud in 2017, the mission was to ensure the future of one of the world’s iconic cultural platforms--for creators, listeners, the team and investors alike. There is only one SoundCloud in this world, which we owe to the vision of our Founders, Alex and Eric. Leading this platform and incredible global team through these transformational years has been an immense privilege. It is a great joy to name--and confirm with the SoundCloud Board--my partner and friend, Mike Weissman, as my successor. I look forward to continuing to work with Mike and the team as a member of the Board.”

Since SoundCloud’s 2017 investment, the company refocused on its core creator-driven discovery network while driving sustainable financial performance. With the end of 2020 in view, SoundCloud recently achieved its first profitable quarter, and will complete its third consecutive year of accelerating revenue growth with a strong balance sheet to continue investing in growth and strategic initiatives.

Alongside strong business performance, SoundCloud continues to build the world’s largest open audio platform with over 250 million tracks, 12 million creators heard every month, and over 80,000 artists now monetizing their music directly with SoundCloud. It is the #2 music app on iOS in the U.S., engaging the youngest, most diverse audience of any major audio service.

“It's been over 13 years since we founded SoundCloud and Kerry and Mike’s leadership has been transformative in many ways,” said Alexander Ljung, SoundCloud Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors. “SoundCloud has always been one of the world’s most important cultural platforms, but the last three years have shown that it is also a fantastic business. I am excited to watch Mike lead SoundCloud’s next chapter and I am thrilled Kerry will remain engaged as a member of our board.”

“SoundCloud is a unique, essential music platform for new and developing artists, and since Raine and Temasek’s 2017 reinvestment backing Kerry and Mike, they put that differentiation front and center--with results that speak for themselves, said Fred Davis, Partner, The Raine Group, and a member of the SoundCloud Board of Directors. “Kerry’s leadership has positioned SoundCloud for years of growth to come, and we all look forward with excitement as Mike steps up to drive the company’s next stage. Congratulations, Mike, and thank you, Kerry, as we continue our partnership to build the future of SoundCloud.”

“SoundCloud’s vital role in music discovery and exceptional tools for audio creators stand out in the digital audio space. As investors, we thank Kerry for his leadership and for SoundCloud’s partnership with SiriusXM, and congratulate Mike as he takes on the role of CEO for SoundCloud’s next chapter of growth,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer of SiriusXM, and a member of the SoundCloud Board of Directors.

More Photos

Share 

More from Who's Who in the Biz

Gateway Studios - Production Services Hires Cory Walker As Sales Manager
Who's Who in the Biz

Gateway Studios - Production Services Hires Cory Walker As Sales Manager

Walker brings more than three decades of live entertainment experience to Gateway

Big Yellow Dog Music Promotes Nicole Rhodes To Senior Director, Sync
Who's Who in the Biz

Big Yellow Dog Music Promotes Nicole Rhodes To Senior Director, Sync

Her efforts have been instrumental in bringing BYDM writers and artists to the forefront of high-profile opportunities in film, television, and advertising

Darina Connolly Named as General Manager of Rhino UK
Who's Who in the Biz

Darina Connolly Named as General Manager of Rhino UK

She will be responsible for overseeing and spearheading the marketing activity for the label’s iconic artists

Gateway Studios - Production Services Names Matt Zahn Director Of Marketing
Who's Who in the Biz

Gateway Studios - Production Services Names Matt Zahn Director Of Marketing

Zahn brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position and will be instrumental in enhancing Gateway's presence within the live entertainment landscape

Lekeisha Irion Named as New Head of A-R at WCM Benelux
Who's Who in the Biz

Lekeisha Irion Named as New Head of A-R at WCM Benelux

She works closely with the likes of Antoon, Bankzitters, Brahim Fouradi, Julian Vahle, Paul Sinha, Renske te Buck, Reverse, Roxy Dekker, and Trobi.

Denyce Graves Foundation Appoints New Music Director Pierre Vallet
Who's Who in the Biz

Denyce Graves Foundation Appoints New Music Director Pierre Vallet

Vallet, known for his exceptional talent and commitment to music education, will play a crucial role in advancing the Foundation's mission

Sign up forArtistAndFan Newsletters

Keep in touch with everything onArtistAndFan. Sign up for our newsletter!
 








Stats
Elapsed time: 0.1182 seconds
Memory useage: 1.14MB
V2.geronimo