Damon Whiteside to step down as Academy of Country Music CEO
Damon Whiteside is stepping down as CEO of The Academy of Country Music (ACM) in June, after six-and-a-half years in the role.
Whiteside will remain CEO through June 30, 2026, and then will continue serving as the CEO Emeritus for the remainder of 2026, working towards a smooth transition following his departure.
ACM’s Board of Directors has formed a search committee to identify his successor.
According to the organization, Whiteside has increased ACM membership to the “largest and most diverse in its history” during his tenure, while strengthening its profitability.
ACM reports that its profits in 2025 increased 150%, with 2026 profits projected to grow another 140%.
“I am proud of everything we have accomplished together in my time at the Academy of Country Music.”
Damon Whiteside, ACM
“I am proud of everything we have accomplished together in my time at the Academy of Country Music,” said Whiteside.
“I am thankful for the amazing team that I have mentored and learned from, our many strategic partners that have helped us continue to innovate, as well as the ACM and ACM Lifting Lives Boards for their leadership that will guide the Academy into its bright future.”
Founded as a regional trade organization in Southern California in 1964, Whiteside led ACM through its relocation to Nashville in 2022.
He also expanded ACM franchises, including ACM Our Country, ACM 60th Gala, ACM Party for a Cause Nashville, ACM Wine & Country at Hearst Castle, and the annual Charley Pride Inclusion Brunch.
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In addition, Whiteside executive produced ACM Honors, ACM Our Country, and ACM Awards, which he repositioned into a streaming-first event with Amazon Prime Video.
ACM said the exclusive global streaming partnership, which is now in place through 2028, “significantly expanded” country music’s reach to over 235 territories worldwide.
As Executive Producer, Whiteside broadened the show’s reach with cross-genre performances from the likes of Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, and the Backstreet Boys, as well as the co-hosting pairing of Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks.
Most recently, he produced the sold-out 60th Anniversary ACM Awards hosted by Reba McEntire, which the organization says delivered more than 70% year-over-year live viewership growth for Amazon Prime Video.
“Damon’s forward-thinking vision and leadership not only strengthened ACM’s connection to the Country Music community and industry, but also allowed us to attract new audiences around the world.”
Cris Lacy, ACM
Meanwhile, ACM Lifting Lives, the organization’s philanthropic partner, raised and distributed over $4 million via a Covid Response Fund, and has generated more than $1.3 million in annual fundraising over the past year through new events and partnerships.
Previously, Whiteside spent more than 15 years at The Walt Disney Company, where he helped launch Disney’s tween music business and touring division.
He later joined the Country Music Association, initially as CMO, where he oversaw marketing, content production, and media strategy across CMA’s portfolio of major franchises.
“Damon’s forward-thinking vision and leadership not only strengthened ACM’s connection to the Country Music community and industry, but also allowed us to attract new audiences around the world,” said Cris Lacy, Chair, ACM Board of Directors.
“The ACM Board is beyond thankful for his partnership, dedication, and passion which have set the organization up for continued success and impact well into the future.”
(Lacy was appointed Chair and President of the rebranded Warner Records Nashville (formerly Warner Music Nashville) in November 2025.)Music Business Worldwide
