Jo Twist announced as chair of BAFTA games committee

Dr Jo Twist OBE has today been announced as the chair of the BAFTA games committee, succeeding Nick Button-Brown, who held the same position for the last two years.

Twist is perhaps best known as the CEO of industry trade body Ukie, but has had a long career in the industry and is a recognisable force for good in the UK video game industry, in addition to efforts for the UK to establish itself abroad.

Twist has been a member of BAFTA’s games committee for a long time, and has worked with several different aspects of the game committee, including the Young Game Designers and Breakthrough Brits initiatives, and sitting on BAFTA’s sexual harassment and bullying task force, looking at allegations across 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 in a statement.

"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."