Photo courtesy of Aristo PR

John Marks has stepped down as Global Head of Country Programming at Spotify USA effective March 31, 2021.

Marks joined Spotify in 2015 and was only one of two Nashville employees covering the Country market. Since joining, Marks has been instrumental in establishing Spotify in Nashville by growing the music streaming platform’s Hot Country brand and championing new artists. He has been integral in helping to build Spotify’s reputation as a global symbol for music consumption and discovery and a driver of country music culture. As of the 4th Quarter 2020, there were 6 million followers and 5 billion streams.

“This is the result of a mutual agreement between Spotify and me. It has been a privilege to work at Spotify since the beginning of its Nashville journey. But I am 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.” ~ John Marks

Prior to joining Spotify, Marks spent most of his career in terrestrial radio and came to Nashville in 2010 after a seven year stint at KSON in San Diego, California. As Head of Country Music Programming for Sirius/XM Radio, Inc. he brought The Highway and the country music platform to prominence. During his five-year tenure with Sirius/XM, Marks helped bring artists such as Russell Dickerson, Florida Georgia Line, Old Dominion, Chase Rice and Kelsea Ballerini to the nation’s attention.

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) between 2018-2019. He is the recipient of the 2018 Jo Walker-Meador International Award from the Country Music Association, as well as the 2018 International Services to the Industry Award from the British Country Music Association.

John Marks may be contacted at johnmarks615@gmail.com

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*Featured image courtesy of Aristo PR