The Academy of Country Music has announced that its chief executive, Damon Whiteside, will step down in June 2026 after more than six years leading the organisation through a period of expansion, financial growth and strategic transformation.
The Nashville-based organisation confirmed the planned leadership transition on 3 March, saying Whiteside would remain in his role until 30 June 2026 before continuing as CEO Emeritus for the remainder of the year to support a smooth handover.
The move marks the end of a tenure that has seen the Academy expand its global reach, strengthen financial performance and reposition its flagship awards show for the streaming era.
Membership growth and financial turnaround
During Whiteside’s leadership, the Academy reported substantial growth in both membership and profitability. The organisation said its membership base is now the largest and most diverse in its history.
Financially, the Academy has also recorded strong gains. According to the organisation, profits rose by 150% in 2025 and are projected to grow by a further 140% in 2026.
One of the most visible strategic changes during Whiteside’s tenure was the relocation of the Academy’s headquarters from Los Angeles to Nashville, positioning the organisation at the centre of the country music industry.
In parallel, the Academy broadened its events portfolio, expanding established initiatives such as ACM Our Country, the ACM 60th Gala, ACM Party for a Cause Nashville, ACM Wine & Country at Hearst Castle and the annual Charley Pride Inclusion Brunch. The organisation also restored the ACM Honors programme to broadcast distribution.
Expansion of awards and global streaming reach
Alongside his duties as chief executive, Whiteside served as executive producer for several major ACM programmes, including ACM Honors, ACM Our Country and the flagship ACM Awards.
Under his leadership, the awards show adopted a streaming-first strategy through a global partnership with Amazon’s Amazon Prime Video, expanding the programme’s reach to audiences in more than 235 territories worldwide. The partnership is scheduled to run through 2028.
The move allowed the Academy to bring new artists and crossover performers to the broadcast. These included collaborations and performances involving major music figures such as Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and the Backstreet Boys.
Most recently, Whiteside oversaw the sold-out 60th Anniversary ACM Awards hosted by Reba McEntire. The event delivered more than 70% year-on-year growth in live viewership on Prime Video and included the final televised awards show performance by Alan Jackson.
Adapting during pandemic disruption
The ACM Awards also underwent significant logistical changes during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following the cancellation of the 2020 ceremony, the event was reimagined and broadcast from three historic Nashville venues — the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium and the Bluebird Cafe — creating the first awards show livestreamed across multiple locations.
The ceremony later returned to Las Vegas in 2022, staged at the Allegiant Stadium, becoming only the second awards show in history to be livestreamed from a stadium. In subsequent years the event was held in Frisco, Texas through a partnership with the Dallas Cowboys.
The awards are scheduled to return to Las Vegas in 2026 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Industry recognition and board response
Leaders within the Academy credited Whiteside with strengthening the organisation’s industry influence and expanding its audience.
“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. 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,” said Cris Lacy, Chair, ACM Board of Directors.
Whiteside also reflected on his time leading the organisation.
“I am proud of everything we have accomplished together in my time at the Academy of Country Music. 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,” said Whiteside.
“I believe that I am leaving ACM in a better place with stability and security that will allow the organization to continue to grow and reach new heights. I am excited for my next act as I explore my passions and continue to learn and create impact in the entertainment industry.”
Career spanning entertainment and media
Whiteside’s career spans nearly three decades across music, film, television, live events and digital media.
Before joining the Academy, he spent more than 15 years at The Walt Disney Company, where he worked on global entertainment franchises and helped develop the company’s tween-focused music and touring division.
He later served as chief marketing officer at the Country Music Association, overseeing marketing, media strategy and content production across its major programmes.
The ACM board has now established a search committee to identify Whiteside’s successor, who will lead the organisation into its next phase as it continues to expand the global profile of country music.
