About me

Dublin-native James Dunne (42) is regarded by many within Irish ad-land and beyond as a creative communications thinker, innovator and instigator. His perspective on the evolutionary opportunities/challenges facing agencies and brands in what he terms the 'collision culture' have seen him both praised - and criticised - in equal measure.

He started his obsession with brands at Ericsson Telekom in 1999 working in Ireland and Sweden. Since then, he's been on the agency side of the table at home, in mainland Europe and in Asia with top shops (Boondoggle, MRM Singapore, Y&R Brands and Bluecube) developing digital and brand engagement for brands like Vodafone, Guinness, Heineken, Jameson, Microsoft, Topaz and UPS - and most famously for iconic Irish brand Mr. Tayto.
James was Executive Planning Director with Target McConnell's - a fusion of two WPP-aligned agency brands synonymous with success in Irish creativity (currently it is the 4th largest agency in Ireland). He was also a member of the agency's management team and was instrumental in over-seeing the merger between Target and McConnell's. Leading the strategic planning function James played an instrumental role in the agencies explosive growth and it's high profile new business and award wins - most notably 2014's Agency of the Year award plus numerous Irish effectiveness (ADFX), digital and creative awards.

Outside of marketing communications he is a co-founder and is co-owner of the Dyflin lifestyle brand that merges Nordic design aesthetic with Irish craft provenance, 2013 saw the first Dyflin product launched.

Apart from being an avid Scandophile, James is also a wine geek, music obsessive and technology junkie - who dreams about one day owning a real Eames Lounge Chair. In his other spare time when not playing with his kids, he's been known to 'pretend' to cook and play the (very) odd game of squash.