In his new role, Wilson will oversee all of SoundCloud’s finance and operations, including workplace and people function. He’ll report directly to SoundCloud CEO Michael Weissman, who was tapped to succeed Kerry Trainor in the role in December 2020.
Wilson’s hire comes amid a host of recent changes at the streaming service, including the recent introduction of a “user-centric” royalty system for some of its artists, which pays out based on how many fans listen to their music as opposed to the number of times it gets streamed. That implementation, which is slated to coincide with Wilson’s first day on the job on April 1, will make SoundCloud the first major streaming platform to pivot away from the stream-based royalty payment system that has long been the standard among DSPs.
SoundCloud also recently entered the gaming space with its first-ever livestreamed gaming tournament on Feb. 18, featuring a halftime performance from rapper Rico Nasty. That initiative is designed to prop up existing SoundCloud creators by giving them the opportunity to win additional fans among the online gaming community.
“I am excited to have Drew join SoundCloud,” said Weissman in a statement. “He is an entertainment industry leader with an incredibly strong business, operational and financial background, driving media organizations during a time of transformative change. His unique perspective in building business around emerging creative talent alongside his operational and financial skills, makes him the ideal fit for us as we continue to grow and expand our business into a next generation music entertainment company.”
Wilson added, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join SoundCloud and to work with Mike Weissman on expanding the company’s strategic vision and operational effectiveness. SoundCloud is well suited to grow and serve its young artist and listener community while taking advantage of new opportunities and changes in the market. SoundCloud is a dynamic company with great smart innovative people. I look forward to learning more about the company’s operations to help optimize performance and identify opportunities to expand the business.”
