The Motown Museum made major news over the weekend with the announcement of a new CEO and the name of its new expansion complex.
Following a 15-month national search, the new Motown Museum CEO is Dr. Kenya LeNoir Messer. Before coming to Motown, Dr. Messer held significant roles in the academic world. Her latest position was as President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Prior to that role, Dr. Messer worked at Columbia University and Wilberforce University in senior positions.
In a statement, Dr. Messer said, “It is a profound honor to join the Museum at such a pivotal moment full of momentum. This institution holds an important place in American history—rooted in legacy, creativity, and transformative cultural impact. I am deeply humbled to work with Robin and the incredible team, as we shape the Museum’s next chapter and deepen its reach in the community and beyond.”
Dr. Messer will replace Robin Terry, who has served as CEO for the Motown Museum since 2015. However, Terry, who is the granddaughter of Motown Museum founder Esther Gordy Edwards, will remain as the Chairwoman of the museum’s Board of Trustees.
Terry said in a statement, “Dr. Messer brings the kind of leadership, cultural expertise and insight, and proven experience that make her the right leader at the right moment for our institution. As Chairwoman, I remain deeply committed to advancing my grandmother’s legacy and continuing to work closely with Kenya and our Board of Trustees.”
“The Motown Experience”
The announcement of a new CEO coincided with a special private event held at the Colony Club on Sunday (Oct. 19). According to the Detroit Free Press, several Motown luminaries were in attendance. Among them were Smokey Robinson, the Temptations’ Otis Williams, and Brian and Eddie Holland, two thirds of the iconic Motown songwriting team of Holland–Dozier–Holland.
The event took place before The Temptations/Four Tops show at the Fox Theatre. It served as the formal introduction to Dr. Messer. The event also severed as the unveiling of “The Motown Experience,” the new name for the major expansion of the Motown Museum.
The two-story, 40,000 square-foot expansion will contain many different features, including a theater, additional exhibit space, and various listening experiences.
This expansion is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in Oct. 2026. It’s grand opening is set for spring 2027.
The Detroit Free Press noted that Terry announced during the event that the expansion has reached $72 million of its $75 million goal.
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