Author: Shauna Fay

IMRO, the Irish Music Rights Organisation, has begun the search for its next Chief Executive Officer following the announced retirement of its longstanding CEO, Victor Finn. The appointment comes as IMRO continues to build on its position as a global leader in music rights administration. Executive search firm Board Works has been appointed to lead the process.

The new CEO will lead IMRO through its next phase of growth, helping shape the future of music rights management in an AI-driven era while strengthening the value delivered to members. The role will also be central to expanding IMRO’s influence both in Ireland and internationally.

Announcing the search, IMRO Chair Tom Dunne said: “Victor has made an outstanding contribution to IMRO during his tenure, leading the organisation through a sustained period of transformation, growth and sectoral development, and positioning IMRO as a key advocate for creators’ rights in Ireland and across the EU.

As the music landscape evolves, we are looking for a CEO who can build on IMRO’s strong foundations and continue delivering exceptional value for our members and the wider music community. This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about music, committed to supporting creators and ready to take the organisation to the next level.”

The successful candidate will bring proven CEO or senior executive experience, strong commercial and financial acumen, a record of leading transformation, exceptional stakeholder skills and a genuine passion for music and creators.

Based in Dublin, the role offers an opportunity to lead one of Europe’s leading copyright management organisations.

Applications and confidential enquiries are now open. The recruitment process is being led by Karl Croke of Board Works Executive Search, and interested candidates are invited to contact Karl in confidence at kcroke@boardworks.ie by 15 August 2026.

Photo Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire

IMRO is deeply saddened by the untimely death of Glen Hansard, one of Ireland’s most gifted, generous and internationally admired songwriters and performers. On behalf of IMRO, so many of whose members knew Glen musically and often as a friend, we express our deepest sadness at his sudden and shocking passing. It is hard to absorb the loss of such a radiant and vibrant talent.

IMRO Chair Tom Dunne said: “I had known Glen personally since the mid 90s and for those of us who came up through that Irish music scene, Glen and The Frames were central to a thriving and exciting moment that also included artists such as Turn, Mic Christopher, Bell X1, Damien Rice, Paddy Casey, David Kitt and Damien Dempsey. In that world, the song was everything. From busking on Grafton Street to playing Whelan’s, it was the song that could stop an audience in its tracks, and no one ever doubted Glen’s songs. His Oscar win for “Falling Slowly” was a triumph for good taste everywhere.

Glen was also a passionate and loyal friend. The lengths he went to in helping complete Mic Christopher’s album Skylarking after Mic’s untimely death, and in promoting the work of Fergus Farrell’s Interference, were legendary. He did not have to do any of it, but he did it anyway. Such was the man.

His legacy is enormous. The Frames leave behind a body of work that will endure, Once will continue to play on our screens for many years to come and his later folk-infused solo songs and work with The Swell Season remain rich with emotion. But it is the man we will most remember, always funny, always passionate, and someone you were always delighted to meet.”

IMRO CEO, Victor Finn said: “Glen was one of those rare artists whose influence reached far beyond the stage. He had an extraordinary gift as a songwriter and performer, but what marked him out just as much was his generosity with his time, his encouragement and his support for others.”

“He never lost that instinct to connect with people, whether through a song, a conversation with a young musician, or by lending his voice to causes that needed support. The Christmas Eve busk on Grafton Street became such a powerful expression of that spirit: music offered freely in the heart of the city, to the people of Dublin, in support of people experiencing homelessness. His loss will be felt deeply across the music community, but his songs and his spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.”

It is hard to take in the enormity of this loss. Glen’s music enriched our lives and became part of the fabric of the everyday for so many people. IMRO extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, bandmates and all those who loved his music. His contribution to Irish culture is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue in the songs, artists and communities he helped and inspired. We will sing his songs in our hearts for a long time to come.

• Record revenues of €57.1 million, up 8% year-on-year
• €48.4 million distributed to songwriters, composers and music publishers
• Membership exceeds 30,000 creators worldwide following record admissions
• International revenues reach €20 million, reflecting growing global demand for Irish and international repertoire

The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) has announced record revenues of €57.1 million for 2025, representing an 8% increase on the previous year and reinforcing the organisation’s position as one of Ireland’s most successful creative industry bodies.

Distributions to songwriters, composers and music publishers reached €48.4 million during 2025, ensuring music creators continue to receive fair remuneration for the use of their works across live performance, broadcast, digital and international markets.

IMRO’s membership also reached a historic milestone, surpassing 30,000 music creators worldwide following the admission of 5,139 new members during the year. The organisation now represents creators across more than 100 territories, further strengthening Ireland’s position as a globally connected music nation.

The strong performance was driven by sustained demand for music across licensed sectors. Public performance revenues increased by 8% to €22.4 million, while broadcast revenues rose to €10.9 million.

International revenues were among the strongest-performing areas of the business, increasing by 15% to €20 million, reflecting the growing global success of Irish repertoire and the increasing importance of overseas markets to Irish creators. Included within the International revenue category is €7m in Multi Territorial revenue, which grew 10%, driven by continued growth from major digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

The results come against the backdrop of the inaugural Ireland: Music Report 2025, commissioned by IMRO, which found that music contributes €1 billion annually to the Irish economy, with Irish consumers spending almost €1,000 each per year on music-related products and experiences.

During 2025, IMRO continued its investment in technology and innovation, launching a new self-licensing platform for businesses and progressing a next-generation members’ portal that will provide creators with enhanced visibility of where and how their music is being used around the world.

Commenting at the IMRO AGM, Tom Dunne, IMRO Chairman, said: “Music continues to play a vital role in Ireland’s cultural and economic life, and it is hugely encouraging to see more creators than ever choosing IMRO as their representative organisation.

“Surpassing 30,000 members is a significant milestone for IMRO. As our membership continues to grow around the world, so too does our responsibility to ensure that music is valued and that those who create it are fairly rewarded.

“Over the past year, IMRO has continued to invest in the technology, services and advocacy needed to support creators in a rapidly changing environment. From digital transformation and improved member services to our work protecting copyright in the age of artificial intelligence, we are committed to ensuring that creators can thrive both today and in the future.

“While the opportunities for music have never been greater, the challenges facing creators remain significant. IMRO will continue to be a strong and trusted voice for music creators at home and abroad, championing their rights and helping to build a sustainable future for the next generation of talent.”

IMRO CEO Victor Finn added: “Our performance demonstrates the enduring value of music and the extraordinary talent of the creators we represent. Ireland continues to outperform its scale, with Irish music finding audiences across every corner of the globe. At the same time, our domestic market remains resilient, supported by a vibrant live music culture and strong demand for music across broadcast and digital platforms.

“Membership growth has been particularly encouraging. More creators from around the world are choosing IMRO because of our reputation for transparency, efficiency and delivering royalties quickly and accurately. Our growing international footprint ensures that Irish creators are benefiting from global opportunities while international creators increasingly see IMRO as a trusted rights management partner.

“Artificial Intelligence remains one of the defining issues facing creators today. IMRO continues to play a leading role in advocating for strong copyright protections and transparent licensing frameworks that ensure music creators are fairly remunerated when their works are used by AI systems. Innovation and creativity can thrive together, but only if creators’ rights remain protected.”

The IMRO 2025 Annual Report can be downloaded here.

Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO (Irish Music Rights Organisation), has been re-elected to serve as Vice President of the GESAC board for a further two-year term. His renewed mandate reflects both his continued commitment and the shared vision that continue to guide GESAC.  

Commenting on his re-election, Finn said: “I’m honoured to be re-elected to the board of GESAC at such a critical time for the future of creators’ rights in Europe. As generative AI continues to reshape the creative landscape, it is essential that European policymakers put in place a robust copyright framework that protects human creativity, upholds authors’ rights, ensures transparency, consent and fair remuneration where creative works are used to train AI systems. Innovation must not come at the expense of creators. I look forward to continuing to progress these issues which are vital to our sector with the GESAC Board and Executive.”

The GESAC General Assembly, took place on May 28th, in Brussels. GESAC plays an important role in shaping a fair and sustainable copyright environment for authors across Europe. 

The Irish Pub Awards 2026 were launched today, Tuesday 28th April 2026, at The Laurels Bar & Restaurant, Clondalkin, Dublin 12, which was crowned overall Irish Pub of the Year in 2025.

The Irish Pubs Awards are jointly presented by Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI).

Pubs are now free to enter up to ten categories with judging set to take place over the summer. The Irish Pub Awards Gala night, where the overall National Pub of the Year will be revealed, along with all category awards, will take place in Dublin on Wednesday, 18th November 2026.

This is the eighth year of the Irish Pub Awards, which celebrate excellence and innovation across various categories in the pub sector. Previous ‘Pub of the Year’ winners include, The Laurels, Clondalkin, Malzard’s Pub, Stoneyford, Co. Kilkenny, Aunty Lena’s, Adare, Co. Limerick, Gleeson’s of Booterstown, Co. Dublin, Paris Texas, Kilkenny City, The Gylde Inn, Annagassan, Louth and The Porter House, Castlebridge, Wexford, while the individual category winners reflect the extraordinarily high standard of pubs around the country.

The Irish Pub Awards 2026 are open to all members of the VFI and LVA. Entry to the awards is free – anyone interested in entering can do so via the dedicated website:

www.irishpubawards.ie.

The closing date for entries is Friday, 29th May 2026.

The ten categories are: Best Food Pub; Best Tourist Pub; Innovative Pub of the Year; Best Local Pub; Outstanding Customer Service; Best Music Pub; Best Cocktail Experience; Best Outdoor Space; Best Digital Innovator and Best Match Day Pub

The 70 regional winners will be showcased as best in class in their region and will receive a prize package to the value of €20,000, comprising management training and media coverage to help them develop their business. The media coverage will include a profile piece in an Irish Independent awards supplement on the day of the awards presentation on 18th November.

Addressing the launch of the Irish Pub Awards 2026 VFI President Michael O’Donovan said:

“The Irish Pub Awards are a vital opportunity to recognise the exceptional standards that define our pub trade—from hospitality and service to creativity and community spirit. As we continue to face real challenges in the sector, these awards remind us of what makes the Irish pub world-renowned: its people. I encourage every publican to get involved and help us showcase the very best of our industry.”

“We are also extremely grateful to our sponsors, whose continued support makes these awards possible. Their commitment reflects a shared belief in the value and future of the Irish pub. I look forward to the judging process ahead, which shines a light on excellence across the country, and to celebrating with all our finalists at the gala awards night in November.”

Chair of LVA, Tom Cleary, announced: “Irish pubs play a very important part in Irish social culture. They are at the heart of our communities and a central part of our hospitality and tourism sectors. Pubs are hubs that allow people to come together. At a time where conditions are becoming increasingly challenging for Irish hospitality, it is important to note the positive contribution being made by our pubs to the economic and social life of Ireland. We look forward to seeing the cream of Dublin pubs and those from around the rest of the country recognised through this year’s award programme.”