Deezer, the second-largest global music subscription service, has appointed Hans-Holger Albrecht as its new chief executive.

Albrecht joins from Africa and Latin America-focused telecom and media group Millicom, owner of the Tigo brand, where he was president and chief executive. He will begin his new role on 1 February.

Paris-based Deezer recently launched in the US, and is eyeing growth in emerging markets in its quest to keep up with market leader Spotify – something it hopes Albrecht will be able to assist, given his experience of Latin America and Africa.

“I’m delighted to welcome [Albrecht] to Deezer. We’ve worked with him before and know he brings real expertise from the telco, entertainment and services sectors in the workings of subscription models, video and pay for TV, radio and advertising,” said Deezer chairman Didier Bench.

Albrecht added: “It is with a tremendous sense of excitement that I take on the role of CEO of Deezer. This is a company that has already built a substantial user base of 16 million people in more than 180 countries. It has come a long way already and become a thriving, pioneering company that is helping to redefine the way we all discover and enjoy music.”