Damon Whiteside Departing as Academy of Country Music CEO

(Katie Kauss)

Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside will depart the organization on June 30 after six years at the helm. He’ll serve as CEO emeritus through the end of the year while the ACM’s board of directors forms a search committee to hire a successor.

As CEO and executive producer, Whiteside shepherded the ACM Awards off network TV and into a two-hour, commercial-free format on Amazon Prime Video, which made the event available in more than 240 countries.

The ACMs, which have been streamed from Frisco, Texas, since 2023, will move to Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Arena this year.

Per the org, ACM membership is at its largest and most diverse since Whiteside took over following a 15-year run at the Walt Disney Company. Profits rose 150% year over year in 2025 and are expected to grow another 140% in 2026. Moreover, the ACM has raised $1.3m through new events and partnerships in the past year.

“I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together,” Whiteside said. “I’m thankful for the amazing team I’ve mentored and learned from, the many strategic partners that have helped us continue to innovate and the ACM and ACM Lifting Lives Boards for their leadership. I’m leaving the ACM in a better place, with stability and security, that will allow it to continue to grow and reach new heights.”

He also released a separate statement to ACM members, which can be read here.

“Damon’s vision and leadership has strengthened ACM’s connection to the country music community,” added ACM Chair Cris Lacy. “The board is beyond thankful for his partnership, dedication and passion, which have set the organization up for continued success.”

HITS’ idea of continued success is going two days without eating a chocolate-covered donut, but who’s counting?