CEO of IMRO aims to bolster music rights in line with new tech

Seán Donegan focused on protecting songwriters as new CEO of the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO)

Seán Donegan, newly appointed as CEO of IMRO.

Seán Donegan has been appointed as CEO of the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), with a commitment to strengthen the organisation in line with new technology and changes in rights management.

A chartered management accountant, Donegan will succeed outgoing CEO, Victor Finn, in July 2027 following a planned leadership transition.

He brings extensive experience in music rights management, commercial strategy and organisational leadership, together with a deep understanding of IMRO, its members and the wider music industry. He holds an MSc in Strategic Management (Innovation).

Seán Donegan said: “My role is one of stewardship: protecting the rights and interests of our members and ensuring that the value of their work is recognised and fairly rewarded. IMRO has strong foundations and a clear strategy.

“My focus will be on turning that strategy into results for members by growing the value we collect and distribute, strengthening the services and protections we provide, and preparing the organisation for the profound changes taking place across music, technology and rights management.” 

 Donegan brings more than a decade in senior leadership roles at IMRO, including as chief commercial officer since 2022, he has led major commercial and strategic initiatives, the development of new international licensing partnerships and the modernisation of IMRO’s commercial operating model.

This work has positioned IMRO as a leading collective management organisation internationally, attracted new members and driven revenue growth to record levels of €57.1m in 2025, resulting in increased distributions to IMRO members.