Nigel Warner to succeed John McVay as CEO of Pact

The new executive, who has extensive experience in both the political and creative sectors, will succeed the long-serving Pact boss John McVay OBE. Warner was a Special Advisor (SpAd) to Rt Hon Mo Mowlam MP at the Northern Ireland Office and Cabinet Office, and also SpAd to the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

Warner then became Director of Public Affairs at ITV for four years and went on to co-found industry-funded social enterprise Creative Access. He has also written for the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) on policy for the media and creative industries. 

He is currently the UK Policy Consultant for lobby group the Motion Picture Association as well as Special Counsel at strategic communications consultancy, Lexington, where he has focused for more than ten years on creative industries policy issues.

Warner will take up his new position at Pact on March 2, 2026. McVay will leave Pact at the end of March.

Jane Muirhead, Pact Chair and Managing Director of Raise The Roof Productions, said: “Nigel brings with him a forensic understanding of the policy landscape and a deep understanding of the vital role indies play within the UK creative economy. He has a solid grasp of all the current and upcoming challenges facing the sector and is a fantastic communicator and strategic thinker.”

“I would also like to extend our deep gratitude to John McVay as he nears the end of his 25-year tenure leading Pact. We will be celebrating his huge contribution and many achievements when the time comes next year.”

Pact recently voiced concern about the future health of the production sector in a new report. Discover more here.