Academy Of Country Music Names Damon Whiteside As CEO

The Academy of Country Music has  announced Damon Whiteside has been selected as the Academy’s new Chief Executive Officer which marks the Academy’s third CEO in its 55-year history. He will take the helm beginning Monday, January 6, 2020 splitting time between Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California.

Damon Whiteside

Whiteside’s appointment to the Academy comes after 23 years in the music and entertainment industries, most recently serving 6 years at the Country Music Association where he began as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships prior to being elevated to his current role of Chief Marketing Officer.

“I am extremely proud of the monumental accomplishments that our dedicated team at CMA has been able to achieve these last six years thanks to the support and guidance of the CMA Board and Sarah Trahern,” stated Whiteside. “It has been an honor to help shape the successes of this rich genre, and to be part of a respected organization like CMA and its mission to grow Country Music globally while shaping positive perceptions about the industry and its artists."

Whiteside continues, "I am honored and humbled to now be given the responsibility to shape the future of the Academy. I am excited to draw upon my deep passion, unique experience and important relationships across the Country Music and mainstream entertainment media industries to reinforce the organization's mission, rejuvenate its influence, and redefine its purpose to benefit the entire Country Music ecosystem."

In his time at CMA, Whiteside has been responsible for overseeing the development of multi-million-dollar marketing and media campaigns for CMA’s three annual television properties and strengthening the partnership with CMA’s exclusive broadcast partner ABC Television Network and The Walt Disney Company.