The Betting & Gaming Council announce Grainne Hurst as the new CEO in a push for safer gambling regulations.
Betting & Gaming Council Announce New CEO
The new CEO has built up a huge amount of experience in the regulated betting and gaming industry, becoming a vital member at Entain as the Group Corporate Affairs Director.
By selecting Grainne Hurst as the new Chief Executive, the BGC has made another alteration to its team, with Micahel Dugher transitions from the BGC CEO to Chair and taking the place of Brigid Simmonds OBE.
Hurst has been in several roles of resposnsibility in the gaming industry, both online and in-person, as she attempts to increase the number of women in the world of gambling.
Creating the international arm of Global Gaming Women, Hurst has expanded the charity’s reach in the United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand and Australia.
This has not been the only major role Hurst has played within a company, as she directed Entain forward and helped transition the company from GVC to Entain.
Becoming a member of the board at Entain Foundation and guided Entain’s award winning global safer gambling strategy ‘Changing for the Bettor’.
The former special advisor to the UK government, has spoken about the move to CEO at the Betting & Gaming Council – labeling it as a crucial time.
She said: “I am delighted to be joining the BGC at such a crucial time for its members and the millions of customers they serve.
“I am very grateful to Michael Dugher for everything he has done in establishing the BGC and I look forward to working closely with him to move it forward.
“My focus will always be on ensuring that we have a well regulated industry which protects customers and looks after their interests.
“The betting industry in the UK has world leading businesses and iconic brands and I will work hard to ensure they remain so. There is much to be done and I look forward to getting started.”
The decision to hire Hurst was made this week after a thorough discussion with different individuals within the group.
Former CEO, Michael Dugher, who Hurst is replacing at the helm, has also spoken out about the positive move the BGC has taken with this new appointment.
He said: “Grainne’s appointment is excellent news for BGC and our members. She won a very tough, external recruitment process and clearly demonstrated that she has not only mission critical knowledge and experience in the regulated industry – both online and in the land based sector – but also a strong vision for continued change and improvement at the BGC.
“Driving further progress on safer gambling, whilst ensuring that the tens of thousands of people who work in the industry continue to have their voices heard, will remain at the heart of everything we do.
“Grainne’s wealth of experience, impressive leadership qualities, formidable campaigning skills and acumen will be essential in working with all of our members to take the BGC to the next level.
“She is someone who is rightly widely respected across the industry and, as I step back to become Chair of the BGC, I am confident she will work well with our talented staff to make a decisive impact as our new CEO.”
