Bold and Amazing Stories are What Aurelie de Troyer’s Looking For

“Bold, amazing, and creative.” That’s how Aurelie de Troyer describes the audio entertainment she’s helping to bring to customers in her role as Audible’s Head of Content, Europe. De Troyer oversees programming of all content, including oversight of commissioning and production of Audible Originals across the UK and EU marketplaces. Her team helps strategically shape Audible’s European slate by identifying original stories that audiences will love and brings them to life, “whether they’re large-scale, audio-first works from internationally bestselling authors or new voices from the independent creator community.” They also work with Audible’s business affairs team to acquire the rights to iconic properties, adapting them or producing them into immersive, multi-cast, spatial-audio productions, like the award-winning Audible Original George Orwell’s 1984, as well as the upcoming star-studded adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and full-cast audio editions of the Harry Potter collection, both launching later this year.

De Troyer’s team works hand-in-hand with creators throughout production, hiring the best producers, directors, sound designers and performers to elevate each project, then they collaborate with Audible’s marketing, communications and product teams to ensure every release reaches its full potential and, as she puts it, “reflect the ambition and creative boldness we aim for.” Here, de Troyer shares more about her leadership experience at Audible, including the importance of having fun (and tea and coffee).

What are some exciting things happening at Audible under your leadership?

Reflecting on Audible’s evolution across European marketplaces over the last six years, I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished. We’ve pushed the boundaries of audio entertainment to deliver best-in-class experiences for our customers and continued to act as a leader in the audio space.

Another transformative shift has been our approach to translation. When I first joined Audible, we translated a handful of English-language Originals into European languages each year. By the end of 2025, that number will have grown exponentially, including titles from emerging voices like Sarah Denzil’s We Play Games, alongside well-known hits such as Agatha Christie’s The Mysterious Affair at Styles, and Moriarty. Translated titles consistently top the charts across all European marketplaces.

The reverse is also exciting, translating standout European Originals into English for global audiences. Our English-language adaptation of the best-selling German Original The Ratcatcher, a pulse-pounding thriller rooted in German folklore, was a hit with English-speaking audiences earlier this year. With over a dozen more translations into English slated for release in 2025 and many more on the horizon, we’re doubling down on our belief in authentically local stories with global resonance. It’s thrilling to see Audible playing a pivotal role in creating and distributing audio content that transcends borders.

What is something you believe is essential to succeeding as a leader?

I believe a great leader is always thinking a few steps ahead when it comes to building an exceptional team and nurturing a strong culture that is deeply aligned with their vision. Staying connected is also key, balancing giving autonomy to thrive with staying close enough to understand the day-to-day, knowing how things get done and being ready to lend support when needed. I’m also a big believer in clear and straightforward communication — it’s powerful. And of course, always make time for fun.

What are some left turns you took on your career journey?

Funny enough, the biggest left turn I’ve ever taken was joining Audible! Having spent my entire career in film and TV, and with my future seemingly all mapped out, an opportunity arose to make the switch into audio, and I decided to take the plunge. The opportunity to be a part of shaping the future of an emerging entertainment category was simply too hard to resist.

Since then, I have never looked back, thanks to the dynamic, experimental and fast-paced nature of the audio space. And there’s so much to build, working with an incredible team.

If you were stuck on a desert island and could only bring one piece of tech what would it be and why?

A robust kettle. I couldn’t go for a day without tea or coffee.

If you could travel back in time, where would you land?

I’d love to travel back in time to the 1960s, full of free-thinking, creative experimentation and radical ideas. It feels like it would have been such a fun era.

Lightning round!

• Coffee or tea? Both, depending on time of day and mood.
• Morning person or night owl? Night owl.
• Where are you working from currently? Our London hub.
• How long have you been with Audible? Six years, and time has whizzed by!
• Who is your biggest inspiration, career-wise? Has to be Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Courageous to the core.
• Favorite hobby? I am partial to a bit of skiing (preferably with fresh powder and blue skies).
• Favorite Audible listen, go. Too many to mention, my current favorite listen is Secret Sister, a UK thriller we just launched, and which kept me guessing until the end.