Pact Names Nigel Warner as Its New Chief Executive

Pact, the UK trade body representing independent television, film and digital media producers, appointed Nigel Warner as its new Chief Executive in March 2026, succeeding John McVay OBE, who led the organisation for 25 years.

Warner took up the role on 2 March, with McVay remaining at Pact for a transitional period before leaving at the end of March. Warner brings a background spanning government advisory roles, public broadcasting, and the creative industries. He served as Special Adviser to the Rt Hon Mo Mowlam MP at the Northern Ireland Office and to the Rt Hon Tessa Jowell MP during her time as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. He later became Director of Public Affairs at ITV for four years, before co-founding Creative Access, a social enterprise focused on making the UK media sector more inclusive.

Most recently, Warner worked as UK Policy Consultant to the Motion Picture Association and as Special Counsel at strategic communications consultancy Lexington, specialising in policy issues affecting the creative industries.

Pact Chair Jane Muirhead, Managing Director of Raise the Roof Productions, said Warner brought a forensic understanding of the policy landscape alongside a deep understanding of the vital role independent producers play in the UK's creative economy. The full appointment announcement is published on the Pact website.