Grainne Hurst Begins Role as New BGC CEO

Grainne Hurst Takes Helm as New BGC CEO, Leading the Charge for Industry Standards

Grainne Hurst has officially assumed her role as the new CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), marking a significant leadership shift for the UK’s leading standards body in the gambling sector. With extensive experience from her nearly decade-long tenure at Entain, Hurst is poised to drive the industry forward, championing responsible gaming and advocating for key regulatory changes.

A Seasoned Leader with a Proven Track Record

Hurst’s appointment as CEO of the BGC, first announced in April, follows a series of leadership changes within the organization. She succeeds Michael Dugher, who has transitioned to the role of BGC Chair after Brigid Simmonds stepped down. With a rich background in corporate affairs, policy, and public relations, Hurst brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role.

Hurst’s career at Entain, one of the world’s largest gambling companies, saw her excel as Group Corporate Affairs Director. In this position, she was instrumental in shaping the company’s relationships with government bodies and the public sector. Hurst played a key role in rebranding GVC to Entain, underscoring her strategic acumen and vision. She also spearheaded Entain’s safer gambling strategy, “Changing for the Bettor,” which set a new standard in responsible gaming initiatives across the industry.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Hurst has made significant contributions to the broader gaming sector. She served as a special advisor to the UK Government, held multiple senior roles in both land-based and online gaming, and was pivotal in establishing the international arm of Global Gaming Women, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the gaming industry.

A Vision for the Future of the BGC

Hurst expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, “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. 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.”

She acknowledged the foundational work done by her predecessor, Michael Dugher, and emphasized her commitment to advancing the BGC’s mission of raising standards within the regulated gambling industry. Hurst’s tenure begins at a pivotal time, with the BGC tasked with implementing key reforms from the government’s White Paper on gambling, which aims to modernize and improve industry practices.

Michael Dugher Welcomes Hurst’s Leadership

Michael Dugher, now BGC Chair, welcomed Hurst’s appointment with enthusiasm. He remarked, “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 organization going forward.”

Dugher highlighted Hurst’s extensive experience and her ability to navigate the complexities of the gambling landscape. He underscored their shared commitment to enhancing safer gambling measures, protecting consumers, and supporting the industry’s vast workforce.

A Renewed Focus on Safer Gambling

As CEO, Hurst will focus on promoting responsible gambling practices, ensuring that the BGC’s members adhere to the highest standards of consumer protection. Her leadership comes at a time when the industry faces increased scrutiny and evolving regulations, making her role crucial in steering the sector towards a sustainable and responsible future.

Grainne Hurst’s appointment as the CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council marks a new chapter for the UK’s gambling industry. With her extensive background, strategic insight, and commitment to safer gambling, Hurst is set to lead the BGC through a transformative period. Her leadership promises not only to uphold the integrity of the industry but also to drive forward the standards that protect millions of consumers and support thousands of jobs across the sector. As she embarks on this journey, the industry watches closely, hopeful for a future that balances innovation with responsibility.