As the CEO of PA Media Group, Emily Shelley leads one of the largest photo libraries in the world, partnering with over 700 content agencies. With extensive experience in media, publishing, and creative marketing, Emily brings a deep understanding of the visual content industry, its challenges, and its future potential. Her work alongside CEPIC on lobbying efforts around AI has reinforced her belief in the organization’s importance, which she is committed to strengthening as President. Emily also has years of board experience, where her pragmatic approach, data-driven insights, and advocacy for EDI initiatives have shaped key industry conversations. A regular speaker at prominent industry events, she continues to be a passionate and influential voice for the future of visual media.

A seasoned professional with a career spanning photography, media, and content management, Gilles Devicq brings over four decades of experience to his role as Vice President of CEPIC. Starting his career as a photographer in the 70s, Gilles transitioned to corporate leadership, holding key executive positions with major international companies like Getty Images, Corbis, and Pond5. At Pond5, he played a pivotal role in introducing the brand to the French market and expanding its global reseller network. A frequent attendee of CEPIC congresses since 2000, Gilles is passionate about revitalising the event to better integrate content creators and users, fostering greater business opportunities and driving industry growth.

Sergi Griño, founder of Album in 1993, has led the company through transformative growth, guiding its financial strategies, international expansion, and technological innovations. A former financial analyst, Sergi played a key role in Album’s shift from physical to digital content, shaping its global presence with a network of 48 agents. He has also been a prominent figure in the Spanish Association of Image Libraries and Press Agencies (AEAPAF), serving as president for seven years. Beyond his work in the visual content industry, Sergi has contributed to cutting-edge technology projects, including collaborations with the Super-computation Center of Catalonia (CESCA). His academic background includes degrees in Economics and Business from the University of Barcelona and the University of Chicago, reflecting his strong commitment to excellence in both business and technology.

Katherine Briggs is the General Counsel at Envato, where she oversees Risk, Compliance, and Legal functions for one of the world’s leading online communities for digital creativity. With extensive experience in legal, compliance, and risk management across diverse sectors like fintech, telecommunications, and technology, Katherine has held senior executive roles in high-growth enterprises worldwide, including iSelect, eNett, REA Group, and Quest Apartment Hotels. Her global leadership spans Australia, North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Katherine’s expertise also extends to business consulting, as she serves on the advisory board for Luna Tractor, where she continues to influence the strategic direction of digital creativity and technology.

Philippe François is the Editor-in-Chief of Imagery (photo/video) at Belga News Agency in Brussels, a position he has held since 2006. In this role, he leads the Belga Image department, overseeing editorial content for the agency’s photo and newswire services. Philippe’s leadership includes managing editorial assignments across politics, breaking news, sports, and Belgian affairs both domestically and abroad, while also guiding a team of editors and photographers. He maintains key relationships with over 100 partner agencies, further reinforcing Belga’s status as a trusted source for imagery. 

Lars Modie brings over four decades of experience in the media industry, with a distinguished career marked by leadership and strategic expertise. He led IBL Bildbyrå, a leading Swedish image agency, for more than 20 years, growing it into a renowned entity known for its in-house collections and partnerships with major Swedish newspapers and museums. In 2017, Lars facilitated the agency’s acquisition by TT Newsagency, where he continued to make significant contributions as Key Account Manager until his retirement in 2022. Lars’ dedication to the industry extends to his long tenure on the board of the Swedish National Association (BLF), including serving as President. He has been an active member of the CEPIC Committee since 2014, contributing to global collaboration and industry progress.

With nearly 40 years in the photo agency industry, Paul Seheult has made significant contributions to the visual content sector. As a director of BAPLA and its designated representative on the CEPIC Board, Paul has championed the interests of the UK photo industry. He founded and leads two specialised photo agencies in the UK with a global distribution network. In 2015, he played a key role in establishing PICSEL, a visual arts collecting society, which quickly captured 25% of the market share and has since distributed £5 million to its members. Throughout his career, Paul has remained a steadfast supporter of CEPIC, notably ensuring its survival during the pandemic by maintaining BAPLA’s commitment. He continues to advocate for CEPIC’s role in navigating the industry's challenges, including the rise of AI and the post-Brexit landscape.

A visionary leader in the photography industry, Gilles Taquet has built a successful career through strategic acquisitions and entrepreneurial ventures. In 1987, he founded NDLR, a corporate advertising agency, and later expanded into photography agencies with the acquisition of La Photothèque SDP in 1997, followed by the merger with DIAF in 2000 to form PHOTONONSTOP. He continued to grow his portfolio with the acquisitions of BIOSPHOTO in 2012 and the launch of BIOSMOTION.COM in 2017. In 2020, he secured the exclusive distribution rights for the ROGERVIOLLET agency and opened the Roger-Viollet Gallery. A dedicated advocate for the photography industry, Gilles has served as Vice-President of SNAPIG, Treasurer of SAPHIR, and as a board member of CEPIC. He is committed to defending the industry's interests at both national and European levels, contributing solutions to shape the future of the sector.