After nearly 25 years as CEO of UK production sector trade body Pact, John McVay is to step down.
A working group has been established to oversee the plans for a transition to a new CEO, consisting of key people who together have over 15 years of experience of being on Pact Council and have all worked closely with McVay. Quicksmith has been contracted to support the search and recruitment.
McVay will continue to be employed by Pact until the end of 2025/beginning of 2026 while recruitment takes place.
McVay will undertake a complete and comprehensive handover and will be retained for a further period to give strategic advice to the new CEO, and also lead in the short-to-medium term on all of Pact’s political and campaigning work. Exact timings will be confirmed at a later date.
During his time at Pact McVay has led a number of successful political lobbying campaigns, including the implementation of the Terms of Trade, a key part of the Communications Act 2003, which enabled independent production companies to retain their IP for the first time. This saw the industry grow from a cottage industry to a £3.6billion success story. John defended the Terms of Trade against potential amendment/removal on many occasions over his 25 years in post.
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McVay was also instrumental in campaigning for the introduction and subsequent increases in the tax credits scheme for the children’s, HETV and film sectors, as well as the hugely successful Production Restart Scheme which enabled production companies to get back to work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pact Chair and CEO of Raise The Roof Productions, Jane Muirhead said: “After 25 fantastic years at the helm of Pact, the time has come for John to take a step back and for us to begin the search for his replacement.
“The shoes will be tough to fill, but we are confident that the process will find the right person, and that a smooth transition will take place to ensure that members continue to receive the exceptional standard of service they have received over the past 25 years.”
