Pact seeks head of international as Dawn McCarthy-Simpson retires

Pact is seeking a head of international and projects to fulfil the remit currently held by Dawn McCarthy-Simpson, who is retiring from her role as the trade body’s managing director of business development and global strategy.

McCarthy-Simpson’s job will not be directly replaced, but instead split into three, with Chris Curley, head of nations and regions, and Aimee Shimmin, project manager, already in place.

The third arm of her role will be filled by the head of international and projects, which will involve working with Pact members across the UK to help them develop their export potential and discover new business opportunities across key territories. The role will report directly to chief executive John McVay.

The closing date for applications is 9 June.

McCarthy-Simpson will retire from Pact in October after spending 16 years with the organisation. Her duties included overseeing the body’s international work and, more recently, managing the opening of its Leeds office.

McVay described her as the “lynchpin” of the organisation’s international work.

He said: “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 that now is the time for her to “hang up her industry boots” and enjoy things she did not have time to do due to work.

“‘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,” she said.