John McVay is leaving Pact after nearly 25 years as CEO of the producers’ trade body

McVay will step back later this year and will continue to be employed by Pact until the end of 2025/beginning of 2026 depending on how the handover goes; he will be retained for a further period of time to give strategic advice to the incoming CEO and to lead in the short to medium term on all of Pact’s political and campaigning work.

A working group of Pact council members has been set up to oversee the exit with Quicksmith contracted to support the search and recruitment.

Commenting on this transition period, 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.”

McVay’s long tenure saw him lead several successful political lobbying campaigns, including the implementation of the Terms of Trade, part of the Communications Act 2003 which enabled independent production companies to retain their IP for the first time.

He was also instrumental in campaigning for the introduction and subsequent increases in the tax credits for the children’s, HETV and film sectors, as well as the crucial Production Restart scheme enabling production companies to resume work during the Covid-19 pandemic.