Whiteside Named CEO Of ACM
• The Academy of Country Music® has named Damon Whiteside as its new Chief Executive Officer — only the third CEO in the Academy’s 55-year history. Whiteside is a 23-year music and entertainment industry veteran, the last six years spent at the Country Music Association, rising from SVP of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships to his current role of Chief Marketing Officer. He will assume his new role on Monday, January 6, 2020, splitting his time between Nashville and Los Angeles.
“We are fortunate to welcome Damon as the Academy’s new CEO,” said Ed Warm, Chairman of the ACM Board of Directors. “His experience, commitment and enthusiasm in the Country Music world are well documented and we are confident that he will enhance the Academy’s ability to bring together fans, artists and the industry while enabling the organization’s charitable arm, ACM Lifting Lives, to impact more lives than ever before.” RAC Clark, the Executive Producer of the ACMCBS broadcast and interim Executive Director for the Academy, said, “Damon joining the ACM is exactly what the Academy needs right now,” adds “I’ve been part of the ACM Awardssince 1979, and I can’t wait to pass along everything I can to Damon from my experience as an ACM board member, interim Executive Director and Executive Producer of the telecast.”
Whiteside commented, “I’m 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. 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.” He continued, “I’m honored and humbled to now be given the responsibility to shape the future of the Academy. I’m 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.”
Whiteside’s multi-media career began in 1996 at The Walt Disney Company. He was responsible for award-winning marketing, creative productions, live events, and digital partnership programs during his tenure with numerous Disney-owned companies including Disney Music Group, The Walt Disney Studios, Disney Channel, and Disney Consumer Products. He also served on Disney’s Corporate Brand Management and Synergy Executive Committees. In 2011, Whiteside formed Hollywood-based Nomad Entertainment Group, representing artists, producers and songwriters, and developed marketing and digital campaigns, brand strategy, and partnerships for entertainment brand clients.
