John McVay OBE

John McVay OBE is the Chief Executive of Pact, the UK's leading trade association for film, television, animation, children's programming, and digital production companies. He has held this position since 2011 and has been instrumental in advocating for the interests of independent producers in the UK.

Professional Background

• Career Path: Before joining Pact, McVay held various positions, including founding director of the Research Centre for Television and Interactivity in Glasgow and director of training and education at Scottish Screen. He also served as CEO of Scottish Broadcast and Film Training.13
• Achievements at Pact: Under his leadership, Pact successfully campaigned for significant changes to the 2003 Communications Act, enhancing the UK's creative industries. He played a crucial role in establishing a £500 million insurance fund to support production during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing the industry to resume filming safely.12

Recognition

In 2019, McVay was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to the creative industries. His efforts in lobbying have earned him recognition as one of the most influential figures in the media sector.12

Personal Insights

McVay is known for his engaging personality and strategic thinking. He emphasizes collaboration with government officials and industry leaders to achieve favorable outcomes for independent producers. He has expressed a commitment to ensuring that new talent continues to emerge within the organization as he considers succession planning for his role.1

Overall, John McVay's leadership at Pact has significantly shaped the landscape of independent production in the UK, making him a key figure in the creative industries.