Spotify hires ex-VH1 exec, may point to future video plans

Spotify logo new color canvasSpotify has added a former top VH1 exec to its top leadership. Tom Calderone, whose past posts included president of VH1, is now the streaming platform’s global head of content partnerships. In this new position, Calderone will be responsible for all original content, shows, and studio content, as well as Spotify’s artist relations and partnerships with labels and publishers.

Given Calderone’s many years at the music-focused VH1 and MTV cable networks, and Spotify’s recent rollout of new content formats, this hire points to a likely possibility that the streaming service may be looking to further expand its video offerings. More and more streaming audio services have been exploring crossover with video (see updates at YouTube Red, Google Play Music, Apple Music, and Tidal).

Anna Washenko