John Marks Steps Down At Spotify

• As was widely tipped yesterday, John Marks has stepped down from his role as Global Head of Country Programming at Spotify, USA, effective March 31, 2021.

Marks joined Spotify in September of 2015 as one of only two Nashville Spotify employees covering the Country market. Since joining the company, Marks has been instrumental in growing the music streaming platform’s Hot Country brand, championing new artists, and establishing Spotify’s footprint in Nashville. In a statement regarding his departure, Marks said, “This is the result of a mutual agreement between Spotify and me,” Marks said. “It has been a privilege to work at Spotify since the beginning of its Nashville journey. But I’m also excited about what adventures might lie ahead. I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve cultivated worldwide during my time at Spotify, and I will carry those with me as I continue with my career. I want to thank Spotify’s editorial team for the work that we have accomplished both in the United States and internationally.”

Marks spent most of his career in terrestrial radio, more recently seven years with KSON/San Diego before moving to Nashville in 2010 as Head of Country Music Programming for SiriusXM, where he brought The Highway and the Country music platform to prominence during his five-year tenure. Marks has served on the Board of Directors of the Country Music Association (CMA) since 2012, and served on the Board of Directors for the Academy of Country Music (ACM) from 2018-19. He is also the recipient of the 2018 Jo Walker-Meador International Award from the Country Music Association and the 2018 International Services to the Industry Award from the British Country Music Association. Looking ahead, Marks can be reached at johnmarks615@gmail.com.