Dr Jo Twist announced as chair of BAFTA Games Committee
"We are at a critical inflection point, and our future growth and innovation depends on creative collaboration with true diversity and opportunity for all," says Twist
Dr Jo Twist has today been announced as chair of the BAFTA Games Committee, and will succeed Nick Button-Brown who held the position for two years.
A long-standing member of the committee, Twist also serves as CEO of industry trade body Ukie, and has a storied career working across the sector.
She has served on the Learning & New Talent Committees along with supporting BAFTA Breakthrough Brits and the BAFTA Young Game Designers talent initiatives.
Additionally, Twist has sat on BAFTA's task force examining sexual harassment and bullying in the the film, games, and television industries.
"I'm delighted to be elected as the new chair of the Games Committee and I thank all those who have put their faith in me," said Twist.
"I would like to pay tribute to outgoing chair, Nick Button-Brown, who has done an incredible job over the last two years along with the BAFTA staff: the plan to expand internationally, to continue to grow the body of games and interactive entertainment creators joining BAFTA's mission, and the new Game Beyond Entertainment award category all signal a fantastic future for our interactive arts as part of BAFTA.
"I believe we are at a critical inflection point, and our future growth and innovation depends on creative collaboration with true diversity and opportunity for all.
"I have valued being part of an organisation that truly champions diverse talent, and I'm looking forward to collaborating with some new friends across film and television who, I know, share a passion for our creative talent."
In addition to her role as chair of the BAFTA Games Committee, Twist is also deputy chair of the British Screen Advisory Council, a London Tech Ambassador, an Ambassador on the Mayor of London's Cultural Leadership Board, and Creative Industries Council member.
She was awarded an OBE in 2016 for her services to the creative industries; she is vice president for games and accessibility charity SpecialEffect and the UK Government's Sector Champion for Disabilities.