Sonos CEO quits after disastrous app launch
- Patrick Spence's resignation came after a poorly received app update in April 2024, which led to numerous customer complaints.
- The new app introduced technical issues that affected the functionality of Sonos speakers and resulted in layoffs.
- In the wake of Spence's departure, Tom Conrad was appointed as the interim CEO, as Sonos embarks on a search for a new leader.
In January 2025, Patrick Spence stepped down as CEO of Sonos, a company known for its innovative smart speakers. His departure followed a tumultuous period marked by the release of a new app last April that resulted in significant user complaints regarding malfunctions and lost features. The app, which was intended to enhance user experience, had instead alienated customers, driving discussion in forums and online communities about its shortcomings and resulting in the layoff of approximately 7% of the workforce due to the financial impact of these issues. With Spence's exit, Tom Conrad, a board member and former CTO of Pandora, was appointed interim CEO as Sonos initiated a search for a permanent replacement. During Spence's tenure from 2017, the company expanded its offerings but ultimately fell victim to user dissatisfaction with the rapid app launch that accompanied the introduction of new wireless headphones. The reaction from the community indicated a clear desire for change in leadership to manage expectations and restore faith in the brand, underscoring the company's pressing need to focus on customer engagement and rectify the problems associated with the app.