John McVay to step down as Pact chief executive

John McVay is to step down as chief executive of UK producers organisation Pact after a quarter of a century in the role.

McVay will remain in post at Pact until the turn of the year, depending on the progress of the recruitment for his successor, and will deliver a comprehensive handover for the next chief.

He will also stay for a transition period to offer strategic advice to his replacement, as well as lead in the low and medium term on all of Pact’s political and campaigning work. Timings on these are still to be confirmed.

A working group, comprised of key Pact council members, has been set up and will work closely with McVay to oversee his exit and ensure the silky transition of his successor.

Executive search firm Quicksmith will lead the hunt for McVay’s replacement.

During his 25-year tenure as Pact CEO, McVay has overseen a series of successful political lobbying campaigns for the production community, including the headline implementation of the Terms of Trade, a key part of the Communications Act 2003, which allowed indies to retain their IP for the first time.

This helped the UK TV production sector grow to a £3.6bn industry today. McVay has defended Terms of Trade against potential amendments and removals over the years.

He was also instrumental in campaigning for the introduction and subsequent increases in tax credits for the children’s, HETV and film sectors, as well as the Production Restart Scheme – which enabled production companies to get back to work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jane Muirhead, Pact chair and chief executive of Raise The Roof Productions, 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.”

This story was first published by Screen’s sister title Broadcast.