$5 Billion Shock: Inside the Surprise Leadership Shakeup at TuneCore

In a major shift for the independent music sector, Andreea Gleeson has announced her immediate exit as CEO of TuneCore, the Believe-owned distribution giant. According to an internal memo sent on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Gleeson will transition into a Strategic Advisor role at parent company Believe, ending her decade-long tenure at the helm of the DIY platform.

A “Planned Transition” Amid High Momentum

The move is being described by both Gleeson and Believe leadership as a “planned transition” designed to align with TuneCore’s next phase of global growth. Gleeson, who was promoted to CEO in 2021, leaves the company in a position of significant strength. Just months ago, TuneCore celebrated a historic milestone: independent artists have earned more than $5 billion via the platform since its inception in 2006.

“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,” Gleeson stated in the memo.

Who is Taking the Reins?

While a direct successor for the CEO title was not named, Believe Founder and CEO Denis Ladegaillerie confirmed a new oversight structure effective immediately:

Romain Vivien (Believe’s Global Head of Music) will oversee TuneCore leadership.
Brian Miller (Chief Revenue Officer) and Luxi Huang (Chief Technology and Product Officer) will continue to manage the platform’s core operations and technology.

The Gleeson Legacy: Beyond Distribution

Gleeson’s impact on TuneCore shifted the company from a simple distribution tool to an artist development powerhouse. Key achievements during her leadership include:

TuneCore Accelerator: Launched in 2023 to provide DIY artists with advanced marketing and DSP promotion.
Music Fights Fraud Alliance: A co-founding effort to protect the integrity of the streaming ecosystem.
Gender Equity Advocacy: Leading the “Be The Change” studies and advancing representation within the music industry.

As TuneCore enters this new chapter, the focus will remain on “harnessing more fully the capabilities of Believe” to help independent artists scale globally. For Gleeson, who called her time at TuneCore “one of the most meaningful chapters” of her career, the shift marks a move from day-to-day operations to high-level group strategy.