Spotify appoints James Duffett-Smith as Global Head of Publisher Relations

17 April 2015 - Press release

Spotify can today confirm that it has appointed James Duffett-Smith as Global Head of Publisher Relations. In this new role, effective immediately, Duffett-Smith is responsible for Spotify’s relationships with music publishers, collecting societies, performing rights organisations and the songwriters they represent.                                                                                                        

Previously, Duffett-Smith served as the Head of Licensing Business Affairs at Spotify, where he focused on global music licensing issues on the master and publishing side from both New York and London since joining the music streaming service in 2009. 

Prior to joining Spotify, Duffett-Smith was Director, Legal and Business Affairs for Fox Interactive Media in Europe. Based in London, he worked as part of the legal team responsible for major properties including MySpace.com and ign.com. Duffett-Smith has also held London-based solicitor roles at Pinsent Masons and Collyer Bristow, LLP.

Commenting on the new role, James Duffett-Smith said: “Publishers and societies perform an enormously important role at the very heart of the music industry and, of course, without songwriters there would be no music for us all to enjoy in the first place. I’m very much looking forward to building on our existing partnerships with the publisher, songwriter and society communities around the world.” 

Steve Savoca, Spotify’s VP of Content and Distribution, added: “I can think of no one better placed than James to take on this exciting challenge. He has sector expertise, a complete grasp of very complex rights issues, tremendous internal knowledge and a keen sense of empathy for artists. He will thrive in this important new role for Spotify.”