Grainne Hurst Takes the Reigns as New BGC CEO; Promises Growth and Stability

The United Kingdom's Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) officially announced Grainne Hurst as its new CEO on September 9^th. Hurst takes over from Michael Dugher, who has now transitioned to the trade body's chairman. The firm describes the new executive as a standout leader who demonstrates an exceptional wealth of experience in the industry's inner workings.

Grainne Hurst displayed her delight in the appointment while emphasizing the importance of regulatory certainty alongside stability, logic, and diversity for the UK gambling industry.

Hurst's Decade-Long Tenure Inspires Confidence

Before becoming BGC CEO, Hurst spent ten years as the Group Corporate Affairs Director of the betting brand Entain Plc. The company saw plenty of success during her tenure, including launching Entain Foundation, a sustainability initiative operational in the UK, North America, Africa, and Europe.

Hurst also campaigned to increase the number of female executives in the gambling industry. She spearheaded the expansion of Global Gaming Women, a DEI organization, where she still serves as a board member. Under her leadership, the initiative has expanded into Europe, New Zealand, and Australia.

Sharing her excitement as the new BGC CEO, Hurst said, "I am absolutely delighted to get started as CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council, the industry champion for so many iconic brands, both in the UK and around the world."

BGC Leadership Restructuring

The appointment of Grainne Hurst as CEO, which was first announced in April this year, comes as part of a broader shake-up of BGC's leadership. She replaced Michael Dugher as CEO, who then transitioned to the role of Chair, a position formerly occupied by Brigid Simmonds.

Hurst paid tribute to Dugher for steering the trade body to its current stature and stated her eagerness to work alongside him as the new Chair. Michael also expressed his anticipation to work with Hurst and experience her seasoned expertise in governance.

"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 commented.

White Paper

Hurst remarked that her focus is on implementing the objectives underscored by the Gambling Act White Paper. According to the executive, sustainable growth in the industry should go hand in hand with its overhaul.

"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," she explained.

BGC represents over 90% of the UK's regulated gambling industry. The standard body employs over 110,000 people, generates £4.2 billion in tax revenue, and contributes £7.1 billion to the economy.