The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the single industry body representing the UK betting and gaming industry, confirmed that Grainne Hurst, has officially filled in her CEO role. Her appointment follows a strategic restructuring process that was initiated by the BGC earlier this year. In April, the exit of Brigid Simmonds saw the appointment of Michael Dugher to the role of chair. As a result, the Council started the search for a new permanent CEO.

In the face of Hurst, the BGC saw an expert with solid knowledge and a deep understanding of the regulated betting and gaming vertical. Overall, the new CEO brings more than a decade of experience in the land-based and online gambling industry.

Hurst’s appointment as CEO at the BGC comes after she spent nearly a decade with Entain, the leading global betting and gaming brand. Throughout her career with the recognizable operator, she held a number of important roles, including group corporate affairs director.

Sharing her excitement, Hurst revealed that it is thrilling to join the BGC at such an important moment. She spoke about the standards body’s growing portfolio of members that help support 110,000 jobs across the UK and cater to millions of bettors every month.

“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.“

Grainne Hurst, CEO at the BGC

Hurst Will Focus on Stability, Growth and Diversity

Importantly, Hurst reaffirmed the BGC’s dedication to the implementation of the numerous objectives highlighted by the Gambling Act White Paper. “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 modernization proposals for the land-based casino sector,” she explained.

“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,“

added Hurst

According to Hurst, the overhaul of the sector is just as important as its sustainable growth. The exec added that changes to the sector need to be backed by “strong data and guided by the voice of the everyday consumer” while explaining that she will focus on growth, stability and diversity within the sector.

Michael Dugher, BGC’s chair, welcomed Hurst to the Council’s growing team of experts. He acknowledged the executive’s extensive experience, as well as “bold vision and strategy to refresh and reset the organization going forward.”

Currently, the BGC represents more than 90% of the regulated gaming and betting sector in the country. Besides providing vital employment for thousands of workers, the sector generates billions in taxes and contributes to the UK’s economy.