The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) is pleased to announce that Tom Dunne has been elected Chairperson-Elect of the organisation. The IMRO Board voted to appoint him to the role at its meeting on 3rd December, and he will begin his three-year term when he succeeds current Chairperson Eleanor McEvoy in May 2026.
Eleanor McEvoy, who will conclude her tenure after many years of dedicated service to IMRO—both as Chair and as a long-standing board member—welcomed the Board’s decision:
“I am delighted to announce, on behalf of the Board of IMRO, that Tom Dunne has been elected as the next Chair and will take up the role when I step down in May. We are truly excited for this next stage and reassured knowing that IMRO will continue to thrive under Tom’s capable and thoughtful leadership.”
About Tom Dunne
Tom Dunne is best known as the lead singer and co-songwriter of the Irish band Something Happens, who rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Signed to Virgin Records, the band enjoyed two No. 1 Irish albums, sold-out national tours, extensive international touring—including fourteen tours of the United States—and a succession of hit singles.
Tom later established a distinguished career in broadcasting. His alternative music programme “Pet Sounds” on Today FM became one of Ireland’s most influential music radio shows, inspiring a series of compilation albums—Tom Dunne’s 30 Best Irish Hits—which achieved multi-platinum success. He went on to present major talk programmes on Newstalk Radio and today hosts the station’s flagship music show, continuing to champion emerging and established Irish and international artists.
His media work also includes regular television presenting and writing for The Irish Examiner and The Sunday Times. Alongside his broadcasting and journalism, Tom remains an active musician, performing both with Something Happens and in collaboration with Fiachna Ó Braonáin of Hothouse Flowers.
Speaking about his appointment Tom Dunne said “I am delighted and feel very privileged to be the new Chair elect at IMRO. I am particularly honoured to be taking over from Eleanor McEvoy who over her nine years as Chair has helped IMRO grow into one of the most respected and successful music rights organisations in the world. I eagerly look forward to taking up the position in May.”
IMRO Chief Executive Victor Finn, together with the wider IMRO team, look forward to working with Tom as he steps into the role in 2026 and as the organisation embarks on an exciting new chapter.