As CEO of PA Media Group and former Managing Director of Alamy, Emily Shelley brought a wealth of experience and strategic vision to her role as CEPIC President. During her presidency, she helped drive a period of renewal and transformation for CEPIC, overseeing a refreshed brand identity, a new website, and a revitalised annual event.
Under her leadership, CEPIC played a key role in championing the rights of content creators and agencies during negotiations on the EU AI Act and the development of its implementation guidelines. Emily also oversaw the publication of CEPIC’s Guide to Content Authenticity, a valuable resource that continues to support members navigating the evolving landscape of visual media and AI.
Her tenure strengthened CEPIC’s reputation as a proactive, collaborative voice for the industry, and her dedication to protecting creators’ rights and fostering innovation leaves a lasting legacy.

Christina Vaughan, founder of Image Source and Cultura Creative, is an award-winning entrepreneur with a career spanning over two decades in the visual content industry. As CEPIC President, she spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the move to Brussels as an AISBL to strengthen lobbying efforts and the launch of Sustainable and Ethical AI Guidelines.A champion of diversity, Vaughan has been instrumental in shaping an inclusive industry through her work, particularly with Cultura Creative, which represents authentic and diverse imagery. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, her global outlook and visionary leadership continue to leave a lasting impact on the industry.

Founder of Age Fotostock, Alfonso Gutiérrez played a pivotal role in shaping CEPIC during his presidency, navigating key challenges such as the Google competition complaint, the EU Copyright Directive, and the global impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
With a lifelong passion for photography, Alfonso transitioned from a career in pharmaceuticals to establish Age Fotostock, which became a leading distributor of over 119 million images worldwide. His leadership at CEPIC was marked by the organisation of numerous successful Congresses in iconic cities like Barcelona, Berlin, and Paris, fostering international collaboration.
A strong advocate for professional photographers, Alfonso was instrumental in integrating them into CEPIC’s initiatives, including the creation of the CEPIC Photography Awards, which celebrates talent and artistry in the visual content industry.

Alan Smith, Managing Partner of TopFoto, has had a profound impact on the visual content industry through his visionary leadership and dedication to preserving photographic heritage. With a background in publishing and an MA in History from Oxford University, Alan founded TopFoto in 1973 by acquiring the John Topham archives. Over the decades, he transformed it into a global player, representing over 40 European image brands and curating a collection of 10 million images, from medieval documents to contemporary digital files.
Alan served as CEPIC President for 12 years, championing international collaboration and innovation in the stock-image industry. His tenure included initiatives to support small independent agencies and foster diversity within the market. As Chairman of BAPLA for six years, Alan further cemented his legacy as a custodian of the UK’s cultural photographic heritage, earning the 2007 BAPLA Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Image Licensing Industry.

Justus Göpel, the founding president of CEPIC, was a visionary leader whose contributions have left an enduring legacy in the European picture industry. As the sole CEO of AKG Images from 1985, he combined a historian’s passion for preservation with a sharp business acumen inherited from his parents. Under his leadership, AKG Images evolved into a highly respected historical archive, renowned across Europe for its meticulous documentation and innovative use of technology.

Justus spearheaded transformative initiatives, including the introduction of an electronic database and a dedicated documentation department led by art historian Karl-Friedrich Hahn. His focus on accuracy and categorisation ensured AKG's collections were accessible and valuable to researchers and creatives alike. 

A passionate advocate for photography as both an art and historical record, Justus published Sommer in Berlin in 1988, bringing the works of press photographers Otto and Georg Haeckel into the spotlight. His dedication to the industry extended to the establishment of CEPIC in 1993, where he championed collaboration and innovation among European picture agencies.
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Justus Göpel’s vision continues to shape the visual content industry, and his contributions remain a testament to his dedication and foresight. He is fondly remembered as a pioneer who united a fragmented industry and elevated the status of European picture archives on the global stage.