Victor Finn, CEO of IMRO (the Irish Music Rights Organisation) has been appointed to the Board of GESAC, the European Grouping of Societies of Authors and Composers. Comprising authors' societies from across the European Union, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland, GESAC represents more than 1 million creators, advocating for creators in the areas of musical, audio-visual, visual arts, and literary and dramatic works.

Commenting on his appointment, Victor Finn said, “IMRO and GESAC have a well-established relationship developed through our collective effort to ensure a sustainable creative and cultural ecosystem – in Ireland, and across Europe. I look forward to building on this partnership through my membership of the GESAC Board and furthering our shared objective to ensure policy recognition for creators, an area of crucial importance, as the music sector evolves.”

Since his appointment as IMRO CEO in 2008, Victor Finn has been responsible for strengthening the organisation’s position as the primary advocacy body for songwriters and composers in Ireland. He has worked successfully to promote awareness of music policy issues, supporting Government on the drafting of copyright legislation, and leading the call for a much-needed National Music Strategy.

“IMRO has been a hugely important influence in Irish music,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. “In addition to the support it provides for solo artists, musicians and bands, helping to ensure that there is a significant Irish presence at international festivals, conferences and showcases, the organisation has led the way on a number of key issues, particularly in the way it has engaged on behalf of songwriters, composers and rights holders at European level. The appointment of Victor Finn to the board of GESAC will add further weight to our presence and our influence on the international stage. It is a development that is greatly to be welcomed.”

Prior to joining IMRO, Victor Finn was Managing Director of The Mechanical Copyright Protection Society (Ireland), during which time he oversaw significant developments in the Irish music industry, as income for publishers and songwriters shifted from traditional physical product to digital. A Chartered Management Accountant, Victor graduated from the University of Limerick.

Mr. Finn’s membership of the board of GESAC will run until May 2020.