ArtistDirect News
IMRO CEO Victor Finn to Retire in 2027 After 18 Years of Leadership
The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) announced on 18 June 2026 that its chief executive, Victor Finn, will step down in 2027. Finn, who took the helm in June 2008, said he would use the remaining years to "strengthen the foundations of the organisation for my successor" before exploring new ways to contribute to the music sector.
Finn’s tenure has coincided with significant growth for IMRO. Membership rose from about 7,500 when he began to more than 30,000 songwriters, composers and publishers. The organisation now represents creators in over 100 territories and administers performance‑rights royalties for prominent Irish artists such as Glen Hansard, Hozier and Christy Moore.
Financially, IMRO reported record figures for 2025. Total revenue reached €57.1 million, an eight per cent increase from the previous year. In the same period, €48.4 million was distributed to members. The bulk of payouts came from international licensing, followed by broadcasting and live‑music streams.
IMRO’s chairman, Tom Dunne, praised Finn’s impact. "Victor’s contribution to IMRO and to Ireland’s music community has been immense," Dunne said. "He has led the organisation through one of the most transformative periods in the history of the music industry, delivering record revenues and positioning IMRO as a key advocate for creators both domestically and internationally."
Finn’s leadership has also seen IMRO expand its technological capabilities. The organisation has adopted music‑recognition tools and partnered with companies such as Audoo to modernise live‑music monitoring. These initiatives have improved royalty collection accuracy and broadened the scope of licensed content.
The announcement follows Finn’s re‑election to the board of the European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers (GESAC) for a term covering 2026‑2028. His role on the GESAC board underscores his influence on policy and advocacy at a continental level.
IMRO’s board and members expressed gratitude for Finn’s service. "His legacy will be measured not only by the growth of the organisation but by the positive impact he has had on the careers of countless songwriters, composers and publishers," Dunne added.
The organisation has not yet named a successor. Finn indicated that he will remain in his position until the end of 2027, during which time IMRO will prepare for a leadership transition.
The retirement marks the end of a 19‑year period in which IMRO has solidified its role as Ireland’s primary performance‑rights society, ensuring that creators receive fair compensation for the use of their works worldwide.
The Irish music community will watch closely as IMRO prepares for the next chapter in its history.
Finn’s tenure has coincided with significant growth for IMRO. Membership rose from about 7,500 when he began to more than 30,000 songwriters, composers and publishers. The organisation now represents creators in over 100 territories and administers performance‑rights royalties for prominent Irish artists such as Glen Hansard, Hozier and Christy Moore.
Financially, IMRO reported record figures for 2025. Total revenue reached €57.1 million, an eight per cent increase from the previous year. In the same period, €48.4 million was distributed to members. The bulk of payouts came from international licensing, followed by broadcasting and live‑music streams.
IMRO’s chairman, Tom Dunne, praised Finn’s impact. "Victor’s contribution to IMRO and to Ireland’s music community has been immense," Dunne said. "He has led the organisation through one of the most transformative periods in the history of the music industry, delivering record revenues and positioning IMRO as a key advocate for creators both domestically and internationally."
Finn’s leadership has also seen IMRO expand its technological capabilities. The organisation has adopted music‑recognition tools and partnered with companies such as Audoo to modernise live‑music monitoring. These initiatives have improved royalty collection accuracy and broadened the scope of licensed content.
The announcement follows Finn’s re‑election to the board of the European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers (GESAC) for a term covering 2026‑2028. His role on the GESAC board underscores his influence on policy and advocacy at a continental level.
IMRO’s board and members expressed gratitude for Finn’s service. "His legacy will be measured not only by the growth of the organisation but by the positive impact he has had on the careers of countless songwriters, composers and publishers," Dunne added.
The organisation has not yet named a successor. Finn indicated that he will remain in his position until the end of 2027, during which time IMRO will prepare for a leadership transition.
The retirement marks the end of a 19‑year period in which IMRO has solidified its role as Ireland’s primary performance‑rights society, ensuring that creators receive fair compensation for the use of their works worldwide.
The Irish music community will watch closely as IMRO prepares for the next chapter in its history.