The NAMM Executive Committee Announces Search for The Next Chief Executive Officer

April 13, 2022

To offer continued stability for the global industry association in anticipation of the retirement of NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond in spring 2023, the NAMM Executive Committee has retained the firm of Russell Reynolds Associates in the search for the association’s next Chief Executive Officer. Russell Reynolds Associates is a global leadership advisory and search firm that works across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on the recruitment of transformational leaders who can meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

“Finding NAMM’s next leader, with the skills necessary to meet the needs of today’s music product, pro audio and entertainment technology industry, is critical,” says NAMM Board Chair Joel Menchey. “Our committee is excited and confident that we’ve selected the best firm for this engagement, and we look forward to moving forward to the next phase of this search.”

In addition to the firm, a Search Committee comprised of the NAMM Executive Committee and industry leaders has been named. The Search Committee will work alongside the firm to identify and advance candidates in the recruitment and review process. Members include NAMM Board Chair Joel Menchey, Menchey Music Service; Vice Chair Tom Sumner, Yamaha; Treasurer Chris White, White House of Music; Secretary Barbara Wight, Taylor Guitars; past NAMM Chair Larry Morton, Hal Leonard; and Nick Averwater, AMRO Music.

Lamond, who has served at the helm of NAMM for the past 21 years, announced his retirement in June 2021. At the time of the announcement, Lamond shared, “Serving our global membership and working with the talented NAMM team has been an absolute honor. However, I’ve always thought of my life in terms of chapters, the musician and touring chapter, the music retail chapter, this amazing NAMM chapter, and now perhaps one more mountain ahead left to climb. One thing is for sure, we’re going to take the time to get this transition right. We are committed to finding the best possible CEO for NAMM, one who can lead this great organization and industry and serve our global membership in the years ahead.” Read the  announcement here.

The Russell Reynolds team will work with the Search Committee and other key stakeholders to develop a Position Specification with the search officially launching later this year. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resumes and/or direct questions in confidence to namm@russellreynolds.com

About Russell Reynolds Associates

Russell Reynolds Associates is a global leadership advisory and search firm. Our 520+ consultants in 47 offices work with public, private and nonprofit organizations across all industries and regions. We help our clients build teams of transformational leaders who can meet today’s challenges and anticipate the digital, economic and political trends that are reshaping the global business environment. From helping boards with their structure, culture and effectiveness to identifying, assessing and defining the best leadership for organizations, our teams bring their decades of expertise to help clients address their most complex leadership issues. We exist to improve the way the world is led. www.russellreynolds.com

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,300 members located in 104 countries and regions. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.