Country Music Association VP of strategic marketing Rick Murray will exit the trade organization on Aug. 31 to pursue other interests.
“After nearly 13 years, it is time for me to move on to another project,” Murray said in a prepared statement. “We have been able to build a multi-million dollar sponsorship program, help position country music as a part of pop culture, made in-roads in Hollywood and orchestrated the successful ‘Country Takes New York’ program around the 2005 CMA Awards move to New York City.”
A replacement has not been named for Murray, and CMA COO Tammy Genovese is said to be assessing the department. An announcement will likely be made at a later date, according to a CMA spokesperson.