Pact business development, global strategy MD Dawn McCarthy-Simpson to retire

Dawn McCarthy-Simpson, the long-serving MD of business development and global strategy at UK producers association Pact, is to retire in October.

Dawn McCarthy-Simpson

McCarthy-Simpson has spent 16 years overseeing Pact’s international activity and also recently managed the opening of its Leeds office.

Pact CEO John McVay said: “Of course we wish Dawn much happiness in her retirement, but I know I speak on behalf of all our members when I say she will be greatly missed.

“Dawn has been the lynchpin of our international work over the past 16 years and has been to [content markets MipTV and Mipcom] so many times she could call Cannes her second home.

“Working closely with Dawn has been a pleasure as she has always focused on the needs, ambitions and dreams of Pact members, helping them to grow their businesses and have fun doing it.”

Rather than being replaced directly, McCarthy-Simpson’s role will be split into three, with Pact’s head of nations and regions Chris Curley and project manager Aimee Shimmin already in place.

The group will now advertise for a head of international and projects. Reporting to McVay, the role will be based in London or Leeds and will involve working with Pact members across the UK to help them develop their export potential and discover new business opportunities across key territories.

McCarthy-Simpson added: “I have had an amazing 16 years with my Pact family and it has given me the opportunity to get to know so many talented individuals. John has been a mentor throughout; he gave me freedom to explore new and innovative ways to help our members, which in turn has helped me to grow and develop as an individual. But now is the time to hang up my industry boots and enjoy all of the things I never had time to do while working.”