BLOM'S EXIT FROM SPOTIFY AHEAD OF IPO SPARKS CHATTER

Spotify is making more headlines with the departure of Chief Content Officer Stefan Blom shortly after the Swedish streaming behemoth filed for its IPO. The exec's exit was first reported by Recode, following an internal memo informing the company; a successor (who would presumably report to chief Daniel Ek, as Blom did) has not yet been announced.

"We are grateful for Stefan’s many contributions to the company over the years and we wish him the very best," reads an official statement. "Looking ahead, the content team is well positioned to execute on our strategy." Blom stepped into the post in 2015, having previously served as Spotify's Chief Strategy Officer.

Biz insiders, the tech world and marketwatchers are busily speculating about the import and implications of Blom's departure. While the CCO was said to have been instrumental in securing several major licensing deals with rights holders, he was also tasked with the development of the streamery's video initiative, which has made only fitful progress.The timing of Blom’s exit may raise questions for investors as they look at Spotify.

"The timing of Blom’s exit," noted Recode's Peter Kafka, "may raise questions for investors as they look at Spotify." The company was recently served with a $1.6 billion lawsuit from Wixen Music Publishing, but also announced it had hit the 70m subscribers mark.

How, if at all, will Blom's leaving affect the stock performance when Spotify's unusual direct-listing offering goes wide? Stay tuned.