UK's BGC names Entain executive Grainne Hurst as new CEO

The UK's Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has announced the appointment of Grainne Hurst, currently serving as Entain's group corporate affairs director, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Her appointment comes as part of a broader restructuring initiative within the BGC's senior leadership hierarchy.

The decision to appoint Hurst as CEO follows the announcement made in January of the forthcoming departure of Brigid Simmonds from her tenure as the BGC's chair. Simmonds, who has been at the helm of the council since its inception in 2019, played a key role in establishing the BGC's position in the UK gambling industry. 

Michael Dugher, the outgoing CEO who will assume the role of chair following Simmonds' departure, lauded Hurst's appointment: "Grainne’s appointment is excellent news for BGC and our members. She won a very tough, external recruitment process and clearly demonstrated that she has not only mission critical knowledge and experience in the regulated industry - both online and in the land based sector - but also a strong vision for continued change and improvement at the BGC."

“Grainne’s wealth of experience, impressive leadership qualities, formidable campaigning skills and acumen will be essential in working with all of our members to take the BGC to the next level. She is someone who is rightly widely respected across the industry and, as I step back to become Chair of the BGC, I am confident she will work well with our talented staff to make a decisive impact as our new CEO.”

Hurst, during her tenure at Entain, played a key role in shaping the company's engagement with governmental and public sectors, spearheading initiatives aimed at promoting responsible gambling practices and enhancing industry transparency. She also oversaw the company's rebrand from GVC to Entain and is a board member of the Entain Foundation

Hurst is also responsible for establishing the international arm of Global Gaming Women, where she is a board member, and oversaw the charity’s expansion to the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. She was previously a special advisor to the UK government and studied at King's College London and Queen Mary University in London.

"I am delighted to be joining the BGC at such a crucial time for its members and the millions of customers they serve," remarked Hurst. "My focus will always be on ensuring that we have a well-regulated industry which protects customers and looks after their interests."

Hurst's appointment received endorsement from key industry stakeholders, including Ian Proctor, Executive Chairman of Flutter UK&I, who hailed her as a catalyst for positive change within the industry. "Grainne's appointment as Chief Executive is a vital step in ensuring we engage constructively at every level while championing those who work in the industry and offering the best service possible to our customers," remarked Proctor.

Looking ahead, 2024 is poised to be a pivotal year for the BGC, as it grapples with the implementation of the UK's White Paper on gambling regulation. The BGC, representing over 90% of the regulated betting and gaming industry in the UK, broadly backed the government’s gambling white paper at the time of release, particularly in relation to casino reform.

However, in November 2023, the BGC accused the UK government of launching a “stealth tax” on casinos, which it estimated could cost the industry £5 million ($6.4 million) per year. Other measures, such as the introduction of affordability checks, have also been a source of controversy.