Andy Schuon is heading to Nashville with a big new title. The music industry veteran will become CEO of the Academy of Country Music on September 1.
What We Know: Schuon takes the ACM’s top job, filling the void left by Damon Whiteside’s exit earlier this year. He arrives from Anthem Sports & Entertainment, where he oversaw linear, cable/satellite, and FAST TV networks. Before that, he ran Loop Media Studios and co-founded Spkr., which Loop later acquired. His resume also includes executive stops at LiveXLive, Revolt TV, Live Nation, UMG, CBS Radio, Warner Records, MTV, and KROQ Los Angeles.
What’s at Stake: Country music is experiencing a massive global growth moment. Consequently, the ACM needs a forward-thinking leader to match that momentum. Schuon’s cross-platform background — spanning radio, television, streaming, and digital — positions him well for the challenge. Still, he’s stepping into a high-profile role that demands immediate credibility with artists, members, and industry partners.
What Remains Unclear: The ACM hasn’t detailed its specific priorities under Schuon’s leadership. Furthermore, the circumstances around Whiteside’s departure remain vague. It’s also unknown how quickly Schuon plans to reshape the organization’s direction. Whether his entertainment and digital media background translates smoothly into the country music world remains to be seen.
What It Means: This hire signals the ACM is thinking beyond traditional country music infrastructure. Moreover, Schuon’s deep media and technology experience suggests the Academy wants broader reach and stronger fan engagement. His background could accelerate the genre’s push into new platforms and global audiences. Overall, it’s a bold, outside-the-box move for an organization navigating a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.