CEO Danny Hayes leaves Danny Wimmer Presents
Danny Hayes, the CEO of Danny Wimmer Presents, has recently announced his departure from the festival production and talent buying company after a decade of partnership with Danny Wimmer. The decision, as shared by Hayes on various social media platforms, was described as a challenging one but mutually agreed upon as the right time for both parties. Wimmer has acquired Hayes’ shares and will continue to lead DWP in the future, a move met with admiration and gratitude from Hayes towards his former partner.
With a background as a business advisor and attorney for DWP founder Wimmer, Hayes became the CEO in 2015. During his tenure, the company experienced significant growth, establishing itself as a prominent independent live music entity in the United States. The expansion of festival offerings, talent procurement, sponsorships, branding sales, and internal food services and catering operations were key developments under Hayes’ leadership.
In 2020, DWP forged a partnership with Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa companies, a strategic move to further enhance its presence in key markets like Sacramento and Louisville. Introducing events such as the Golden Sky country festival and expanding established festivals like Aftershock and Bourbon & Beyond, DWP solidified its footprint in the music and entertainment landscape.
DWP’s commitment to delivering standout experiences was evident in its 2025 festival statistics, with attendance exceeding 1 million across various events. Attendance records were broken at festivals like Bourbon & Beyond, drawing 60,000 attendees for a memorable Saturday night performance by Zach Bryan. The company’s talent buying division, led by Del Williams, secured new contracts with notable venues like Foxwoods Casino and Mercedes Benz Amphitheater, further enhancing DWP’s industry presence.
The culmination of DWP’s efforts was reflected in the 2025 Pollstar Awards nomination of Bourbon & Beyond as Festival of the Year, a testament to the company’s dedication to creating exceptional music and entertainment experiences. Despite Hayes’ departure, the foundation laid during his tenure positions DWP for continued success and growth in the live music industry.
In conclusion, Danny Hayes’ departure from Danny Wimmer Presents marks the end of a significant chapter in the company’s history. His contributions as CEO have been instrumental in shaping DWP into a leading player in the live music scene, with a legacy of innovation, expansion, and memorable festival experiences. As DWP looks towards the future under Wimmer’s leadership, the values of excellence, creativity, and passion instilled by Hayes will continue to guide the company’s endeavors in delivering exceptional live music events to audiences worldwide.