Key Account Management is distinctly different from sales and requires its own space and professional organisation. While selling certainly contributes to the discipline, KAM involves a far wider range of knowledge and activity, and this difference demands recognition.

The Association for Key Account Management (AKAM) is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to increase informed appreciation and recognition of KAM, while raising standards of performance, through:

• Professionalising KAM by establishing recognised qualifications for Key Account Managers, and certifying aligned development programmes.
• Improving understanding and practice in companies by communicating and exchanging known information about KAM.
• Sponsoring KAM research in under-explored areas.

AKAM is forging links across the world between practitioners, academics and consultants, to the benefit of all.

Currently hosted by Technological University Dublin in Ireland, AKAM is an independent body representing the KAM industry in Europe and worldwide.