Pandora closes Aussie operations as global CEO and CMO step down

Music streaming service, Pandora, has confirmed it is closing its doors in Australia and New Zealand after five years. 

The announcement came days after Pandora’s global CEO, Time Westergren, president, Mike Herring, and CMO, Nick Bartle, announced they were all departing the company simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the Australian and New Zealand managing director, Jane Huxley, jumped ship only in March this year, after being in the role for four-and-a-half years.

"After diligent analysis, we have decided to discontinue our operations in Australia and New Zealand and expect to wind down the service for listeners over the next few weeks,” a Pandora spokesperson told CMO. “While our experience in these markets reinforces the broader global opportunity long-term, in the short-term we must remain laser-focused on the expansion of our core business in the United States.”

Pandora also announced today it appointed Jason Hirschhorn to its board, filling a recently vacated seat.

Pandora board member, Roger Faxon said over the past several weeks, the board has taken a number of steps to refocus and reinforce Pandora.

“As listeners continue to move from traditional terrestrial radio to more dynamic and flexible offerings, it is the board’s belief that this transition continues to present a massive opportunity, and that Pandora is in an ideal position to capture an increasing share of this audience,” he said. “With 'digital radio' at the core of our business, and both “Plus” and “Premium” as new, integral parts of our arsenal, Pandora now has all of the tools necessary to capitalise on this opportunity.”

Pandora announced the board of directors will begin a search for a new CEO immediately. CFO, Naveen Chopra, has filled the position as interim CEO.

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