New CEO welcomed to BGC
Grainne Hurst has officially taken up her role as new Chief Executive Officer of the Betting and Gaming Council.
Appointed back in April, Hurst takes over the reins from Michael Dugher who becomes Chair of the industry body. She joins the BGC from Entain where she had been since 2018 as Corporate Affairs Director.
White Paper priority
Hurst wasted no time in affirming the Council’s commitment to the Government’s White Paper:
“There is a huge amount of work ahead of us, not least delivering and implementing the outstanding proposals outlined in last year’s White Paper, many of which our members called for. That includes a statutory levy to address problem gambling and related harms, an Ombudsman for improved consumer redress, online financial risk checks carefully targeted on those at risk, new stake limits for online slots, a Sports Sponsorship Code, plus mission critical modernisation proposals for the land-based casino sector.”
Consolidation
Hurst seems in no doubt about some of the challenges facing the industry, but is also looking for a period of consolidation and calm:
“While achieving regulatory certainty after a period of so much change is top of my priority list, it is important for our industry to focus on stability, growth and diversity across the sector. This is a crucial time for the BGC’s diverse and growing membership, which supports 110,000 jobs, and caters to millions of customers who enjoy a bet each month in the UK.”
Chair welcomes Hurst
Michael Dugher, BGC Chair formally welcomed Hurst:
“On behalf of the entire BGC membership, I’d like to warmly welcome Grainne as she officially starts as CEO. She brings years of experience and knowledge in the regulated industry, together with a bold vision and strategy to refresh and reset the organisation going forward. I look forward to working with Grainne … and the rest of the outstanding BGC team, as we continue to represent thousands of workers and millions of customers.”
Grainne Hurst has taken on one the great balancing act CEO roles in British industry – it will surely be an eventful ride.