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.

AKAM aims to increase informed appreciation and recognition of KAM, while raising standards of performance to earn it 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 Dublin Institute of Technology in Ireland, AKAM is an independent body representing the KAM industry in Europe and worldwide.