The United Kingdom’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) officially announced today, September 9, the commencement of Grainne Hurst in her role as CEO. Previously a key figure at Entain, Grainne Hurst brings a decade of high-level experience to the table, particularly noted for her tenure as the Group Corporate Affairs Director.
A strategic appointment amid leadership restructuring:
The selection of Grainne Hurst as CEO was part of a broader initiative to restructure the senior leadership within the BGC, a plan set into motion with the announcement back in April. According to the agency’s release, this strategic move also saw Michael Dugher, the former CEO, step into the role of Chair.
Grainne is celebrated for her extensive background across both land-based and online gaming sectors and is recognized for her commitment to enhancing the representation of women in high-profile industry roles. She has been instrumental in setting up the international branch of Global Gaming Women and presently manages its extension across regions including the UK, Europe, and Oceania.
Upon assuming leadership, Grainne expressed enthusiasm about her new role: “I’m absolutely delighted to get started as CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, the industry champion for so many iconic brands, at home in the UK and around the world.”
She highlighted the significant period ahead for the BGC’s diverse membership, which supports over 110,000 jobs and engages millions who enjoy monthly betting activities in the UK. Grainne outlined the immediate goals, which include implementing the comprehensive measures from the previous year’s White Paper, heavily supported by the council’s members.
These initiatives encompass a range of reforms from establishing a statutory levy to combat problem gambling to the creation of an Ombudsman for better consumer redress and precise online financial risk assessments. Additionally, new betting limits for online slots and a Sports Sponsorship Code are on the agenda, alongside crucial updates for the land-based casino industry.
“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. That work must be underpinned by strong data and guided throughout by the voice of the everyday consumer,” said Grainne, as iGaming Business reports.
Acknowledgements and forward outlook:
Grainne extended her gratitude to Michael Dugher for his pivotal role in advancing the BGC to its current stature, expressing eagerness to collaborate in his new capacity as Chair. She also thanked the BGC’s members for their ongoing support and committed to advocating for the industry’s significant contributions to both local and national economies through taxation and employment.
Michael Dugher warmly welcomed Grainne, praising her seasoned expertise and visionary approach poised to steer the BGC forward. “I look forward to working with Grainne in my new role as Chair, and the rest of the outstanding BGC team, as we continue to represent thousands of workers and millions of customers, as well as delivering on our mission to raise standards in safer gambling,” he remarked.
Grainne’s previous role at Entain involved leading governmental and public relations and the significant rebranding from GVC to Entain. She also initiated and directed Entain’s globally acclaimed safer gambling program, “Changing for the Bettor.”