Nigel Warner, UK Policy Consultant to the Motion Picture Association and Special Counsel at Lexington will succeed John McVay OBE as Chief Executive of Pact.
Nigel has extensive experience in both the political and creative sectors, having been Special Advisor (SpAd) to the 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.
Following his time in Government, Nigel became Director of Public Affairs at ITV for four years at a crucial time for the future of the public service broadcaster. He then co-founded Creative Access with a mission for the UK media to become more inclusive, which is now an industry-funded social enterprise. He has also written for the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) on policy for the media and creative industries.
Nigel is currently the UK Policy Consultant for the Motion Picture Association as well as Special Counsel at strategic communications consultancy, Lexington, where he has focussed for more than ten years on policy issues of concern to the creative industries providing policy, strategy and political communications advice.
Nigel currently participates in the Royal Television Society Events Board, Business LDN’s Cultural Council, the Creative Industries Council Skills and Training Group and the Board of the Alliance for IP.
Nigel will take up his new position at Pact on 2nd March 2026, with John leaving Pact at the end of March.
Commenting on Nigel’s appointment, Pact Chair and Managing Director of Raise The Roof Productions, Jane Muirhead, said: “After an extensive search and thorough interview process, I’m delighted that we are able to confirm Nigel as Pact’s new CEO. 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. He will be a vocal and effective champion, working tirelessly on our behalf.
“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.”
Nigel added: “I am very excited and honoured to have this opportunity to take up the reins at Pact. The work of our indie producers makes for one of the most dynamic creative sectors this country has, supporting jobs and growth all around the UK. We have an indie sector that is the envy of the world and I will do everything in my power to make sure it stays that way. I understand this is a time of great change in the industry, and look forward to meeting members all around the country, to hearing about the challenges they face and working with them, the Government and our wider industry partners to build resilience and ever greater success.”
Outgoing Pact CEO John McVay OBE said: “I am thrilled that we have a successor that can take forward the many, many achievements of Pact over the past 25 years. I want to thank Jane Muirhead and the executive board who managed the appointment process for all their hard work and dedication over the past months. I am very pleased to be passing the baton to Nigel whom I have known and worked with for many years. I look forward to working with him during the handover period next year and until then I will continue to work for Pact members as I have done for over two decades.”