There’s been a significant leadership shakeup at the Believe-owned distribution company, TuneCore.
Andreea Gleeson has revealed in an internal memo to staff, obtained by MBW, that she’ll be exiting her role as CEO of TuneCore, and moving to a Strategic Advisor position at parent company Believe.
“After ten years at TuneCore, and with the company well-positioned for continued success, Believe and I have mutually agreed that the time is right for me to transition,” said Gleeson in the note sent out on Wednesday (January 14).
The executive added in the memo that “Believe and I looked at what the future requires and agreed the best path is for me to support Believe’s executive team in an advisory capacity to continue building where I can have the greatest impact.”
The leadership change, described as a “planned transition,” is effective immediately.
TuneCore, one of the world’s largest independent music distribution platforms, promoted Andreea Gleeson to the position of CEO in 2021.
“We are grateful to Andreea for her leadership of TuneCore and the lasting impact she has had on the business,” said Denis Ladegaillerie, Founder and CEO, Believe, in a statement.
“Over the course of her tenure, TuneCore strengthened its platform, expanded its global reach, and deepened its commitment to artist success. Her work co-founding the Music Fights Fraud Alliance and advancing gender equity in the music industry reflects values that are at the heart of Believe and areas we will continue to prioritize.”
Photo: Anis Martin
“We are grateful to Andreea for her leadership of TuneCore and the lasting impact she has had on the business.”
Denis Ladegaillerie, Believe
Added Ladegaillerie: “As part of an evolution aligned with TuneCore’s next phase of growth and Believe’s long-term strategy, Andreea will transition into a Strategic Advisor role for Believe, where her experience and perspective will continue to support the Group at a strategic level.”
He also confirmed that “TuneCore leadership will continue to be overseen by Romain Vivien, Believe’s Global Head of Music, with senior executives including Chief Revenue Officer Brian Miller and Chief Technology and Product Officer Luxi Huang, to build on TuneCore’s strong momentum as we continue to invest in its future.”
Elsewhere in the memo, Gleeson explained that, “as TuneCore enters this next phase from a position of strength, its mission remains: empower independent artists to succeed on their own terms, moving them from ‘access to success’ through an efficient, automated platform”.
The exec also said that “moving forward, TuneCore will prioritize harnessing more fully the capabilities of Believe, to help artists grow globally”.
Gleeson told staff in the memo that leading TuneCore “has been one of the most meaningful chapters of [her] career”.
She added: “Together, we’ve transformed this company, expanding our global footprint, strengthening and modernizing the platform, and pivoting from just distribution to artist development by launching programs like TuneCore Accelerator to give artists deeper support, education, and access to real career-building opportunities.”
Launched in 2023, TuneCore Accelerator gives DIY artists access to promo and marketing programs on DSPs.
News of the leadership change at TuneCore follows the announcement in November that self-releasing artists have earned more than $5 billion via its platform since its founding in 2006.
You can read Gleeson’s memo in full below:
Dear Team,
As I write this, I’m filled with pride, gratitude, and a deep sense of connection to all of you.
After ten years at TuneCore, and with the company well-positioned for continued success, Believe and I have mutually agreed that the time is right for me to transition. Effective immediately, I’ll be moving from my role as CEO of TuneCore into a Strategic Advisor position for Believe.
As TuneCore enters this next phase from a position of strength, its mission remains: empower independent artists to succeed on their own terms, moving them from “access to success” through an efficient, automated platform. Moving forward, TuneCore will prioritize harnessing more fully the capabilities of Believe, to help artists grow globally.
Believe and I looked at what the future requires and agreed the best path is for me to support Believe’s executive team in an advisory capacity to continue building where I can have the greatest impact.
Leading TuneCore has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career. Together, we’ve transformed this company, expanding our global footprint, strengthening and modernizing the platform, and pivoting from just distribution to artist development by launching programs like TuneCore Accelerator to give artists deeper support, education, and access to real career-building opportunities. Through it all, we stayed true to what matters most: an artist-first mission and a belief in independence.
None of this happened because of one person. It happened because of all of you. Your creativity, resilience, ambition, and care for artists shaped TuneCore into what it is today. I’ve been continually inspired by the way this team shows up for each other and for the creators who trust us with their careers.
TuneCore’s success has also been deeply connected to the Believe Group’s long-term vision and global scale, which allowed us to grow with purpose while serving independent artists at every stage of their journey. This planned transition reflects my confidence in the strength of this team and in TuneCore’s next phase of growth within the Believe ecosystem.
While my role is changing, my belief in this company and in all of you is unwavering. Thank you for the trust, the hard work, the laughter, the late nights, and the shared wins. TuneCore will always be a part of who I am and I can’t wait to see what you build next.
