Pact’s global strategy & business development MD Dawn McCarthy-Simpson to retire

Dawn McCarthy-Simpson

Dawn McCarthy-Simpson, the MD of business development & global strategy at Pact, is retiring at the end of October after 16 years at the UK trade body.

McCarthy-Simpson has overseen all facets of Pact’s international work and more recently managed the opening of its new office in the UK city of Leeds.

Pact said it will not look to replace the role directly, but instead split it into three. Pact’s head of nations & regions, Chris Curley, and its project manager, Aimee Shimmin, are already in place, with a new head of international & projects position being created.

The role will report to CEO John McVay and will be based out of either the London or Leeds office, with a remit to help UK porducer members develop their export potential and discover new business opportunities across key territories.

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 that she will be greatly missed.

“Dawn has been the lynch pin of our international work over the past 16 years and has been to MIP so many times she could call Cannes her second home. Working closely with Dawn has been a pleasure as she has always focussed on the needs, ambitions and dreams of Pact members helping them to grow their businesses and have fun doing it.”

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 whilst working.”