Zach Phillips Joins NAMM As Director of Professional Development

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is pleased to announce that Zach Phillips will be joining the association staff as Director of Professional Development this fall. Phillips comes to NAMM from his previous position as Editor at Maher Publications’ Music Inc and UpBeat Daily.

“Zach has earned the respect of the industry through his dedicated efforts with Music Inc,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “NAMM University has become a vital part of our Member’s success. We look forward to the ideas and energy that Zach will bring as we seek continual improvement in the years ahead.”

Phillips has participated in NAMM University as a moderator and panelist. In his new position, he will spearhead NAMM University and all professional development opportunities for NAMM Members. NAMM University offers NAMM Members new ideas, useful tips and fresh ways of looking at their businesses.

“The opportunity to head up NAMM's professional development efforts and NAMM University is a personal thrill,” Phillips said. “There are so many untapped opportunities in music products retail and supply, and to help NAMM Members capitalize on them will be the opportunity of a lifetime. NAMM Members are some of the most industrious and creative people in the world. Showcasing their best ideas, along with select business-building practices from outside the music products industry, will keep NAMM Members thriving and adaptable in these dynamic times.”

Phillips will take the reigns from Ken Wilson who is retiring this fall. Wilson created the Breakfast Sessions and Idea Center sessions helping NAMM Members build stronger, more efficient businesses that are prepared to adapt to changing times.

In his previous role, Phillips was a vital part in Music Inc’s winning of the 2012 Magazine of the Year award from American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the highest honor in trade journalism. Phillips is a singer/songwriter and guitarist. A Chicago-native, he will be based out of NAMM’s Carlsbad, CA headquarters.