'The Fanbase Was There The Whole Time': Two Door Cinema Club On 'Tourist History' And Their Love Affair With Australia

Alicia Sbrugnera Exits Spotify Australia As Head Of Music Development

Tyler Jenke

Sbrugnera joined Spotify as a Senior Editor in early 2015, taking on the role of Head Of Music five years later, and Head Of Music Development in 2024.

Alicia Sbrugnera
Alicia Sbrugnera(Credit: Supplied)

Spotify Australia’s much-loved Head of Music Development, Alicia Sbrugnera, is exiting the company after more than a decade with the streaming service.

While the platform did not comment publicly on her departure, a senior Spotify source confirmed her decision to leave, noting their gratitude for her contribution to the company over the years and wishing her well with her future endeavours.

Entering the music industry over two decades ago, Sbrugnera served as a program manager for the likes of Mood Media, MTV Australia and New Zealand, and Foxtel's Music channels over the coming decade, before joining Spotify as a Senior Editor in March 2015.

Taking on the role of Head of Shows and Editorial in Australia and New Zealand in 2018, Sbrugnera was elevated to Head Of Music in 2020, complementing that with the title of Head Of Music Development in 2024.

Sbrugnera’s contributions to both Spotify and the Australian music industry saw her named as one of The Music’s Power 50 figures on numerous occasions, citing her dedication to championing Australian artists, and elevating their platform on a global scale.

Additionally, Sbrugnera was also involved in securing Spotify’s multi-year sponsorship of the ARIA Awards and Spotify’s successful Turn Up Aus campaign to platform Australian music.

The Music has reached out to Sbrugnera for comment, but have not heard back at the time of publication.

Her exit from Spotify comes following a busy few months for the company. While Spotify recently announced a multi-year partnership with Australian youth music organisation The Push alongside a $200,000 donation and launched its new Artist Profile Protection feature, they also navigated backlash following the launch of their AI-heavy Prompted Playlist feature, and a recent report of a trip to Australia from Spotify co-founder and executive chairman Daniel Ek to lobby against a proposed push for streaming platforms to play more local music.

News of Sbrugnera's departure also comes following the exit of former Head of Communications, Melissa Circosta, with the streaming giant last year restructuring its creative division in APAC following Vanessa Goh’s exit in August.