Former Pact chief executive John McVay has joined UK-based AI training and skills platform AIMICI as vice chair.
The appointment will see McVay later take over as chair of AIMICI from the incumbent, Sir John Lucas-Tooth, when he steps back from the company.
AIMICI works with creative businesses looking to navigate AI, advising on how to use the technology responsibly and safely. This summer, the company launched its Responsible AI training standard, the first AI courses to be accredited by screen industry body ScreenSkills.
AIMICI received funding through Innovate UK’s Bridge AI programme, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), in collaboration with Bournemouth University. The course content was developed in consultation with leading researchers and 50 industry professionals.
McVay stepped down as CEO of screen sector trade body earlier this year after nearly 25 years in the role, and sits on the Creative Industries Council. He has served on the boards of the British Film Commission, the Creative Diversity Network, and the Creative Cities Convention.
McVay said: “Before you can manage risk, you need to understand it. Confusion in the market means that responsible rapid adoption of the technology is stalling, and misinformation can cause paralysis. AIMICI is addressing this by focusing on standardising AI training and transparency. Having created the first AI competency certification standard for the industry and upskilling the community with the right technology and insights, we can level the playing field and get on with what we do best—telling stories the world wants to hear. The instinct toward transparency is the right one. The execution gap is what the next twelve months need to close.”
Ahsan Mallick, founder of AIMICI said: “John is legendary in the business as an innovator of policy and a champion of new vanguards. His deep industry knowledge, connections, and advocacy for fair and transparent ways of working make him the perfect addition to our team. His relationships with unions and industry stakeholders will facilitate our ability to establish workable AI guidelines for all production businesses.”
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