Andy Schuon Takes the Helm as New CEO of the Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) unveiled its latest leadership move on Tuesday, naming Andy Schuon as the organization’s new chief executive officer. After a thorough search that spanned several months, the board settled on Schuon, a veteran who’s spent more than two decades navigating the business side of country music.

Schuon isn’t a stranger to the genre’s inner workings. Before stepping into the ACM role, he served as senior vice president of business development at a major Nashville label and later chaired the country division of a leading live‑event company. In those positions he helped launch breakout tours, brokered streaming deals and championed emerging talent—all while keeping an eye on the ever‑shifting ways fans consume music.

“Andy brings a rare blend of strategic vision and genuine love for country music,” said ACM board chairwoman Emily Painter during the press conference. “His track record of partnership building and innovation is exactly what we need as we look to amplify the Academy’s impact for both artists and fans.”

In a brief statement, Schuon expressed his excitement about the challenge ahead. “I’ve spent my career celebrating what makes country music special—its storytelling, its community, its heart. Leading the ACM is an honor, and I can’t wait to work with our members, partners and the wider Nashville family to keep that spirit thriving.”

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment. Country music’s audience is more diverse than ever, streaming numbers are soaring, and live‑event revenue is rebounding after pandemic setbacks. The ACM, best known for its annual awards ceremony that recognizes the genre’s biggest hits and most influential artists, is positioning itself to be a catalyst for growth and inclusivity.

Industry insiders expect Schuon to double down on initiatives that spotlight under‑represented voices, expand the Academy’s educational outreach, and deepen collaborations with streaming platforms. “We’re not just about the show on stage; we’re about nurturing the next generation of songwriters, producers and fans,” Schuon noted.

While the Academy has undergone several leadership changes in the past decade, the consensus among Nashville’s movers and shakers is that Schuon’s arrival could usher in a period of stability and forward‑thinking strategy. As the new CEO settles in, the ACM’s board will be watching closely to see how quickly the organization can translate its ambitious roadmap into tangible results.