Trailblazing Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) Chair, Brigid Simmonds, will conclude her term on April 20, 2024. Since the BGC’s inception in 2019, Simmonds has been a staunch supporter of the sector. Her influence reaches far past this position: she previously served as the Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association for ten years and held the highest office at Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL).

The BGC’s Executive Committee has selected current Chief Executive, Michael Dugher, to follow Simmonds as Chair beginning April 21, 2024. The quest for a new Chief Executive will commence promptly, with an outside recruitment agency overseeing the procedure.

Dugher commended Simmonds’ time in office, remarking, “Brigid’s impact on the BGC is one of extraordinary accomplishment. She not only established this organization from its foundation but also brought together a varied collection of interested parties.” He further stressed her influence on responsible gaming, stating, “She has been a genuine catalyst for constructive transformation, consistently advocating for safer gambling practices.” Dugher finished by underscoring Simmonds’ extensive esteem, noting that she is “a director of high principles who is respected across the political landscape and far outside the gaming sector.”

This upcoming season, a fresh Chief Executive Officer will join us to guide our path forward. As the head of the board, I’m thrilled to persist in our collaborative efforts, striving for enhanced benchmarks within the interactive entertainment realm. Our purpose is to represent the voices of the numerous individuals employed in this field and to guarantee that countless gamers can partake in a secure and accountable manner.”

Simmonds continued, “The achievements of the BGC since its inception in 2019 fill me with immense pride. It’s a genuine privilege to stand for 110,000 individuals employed within the regulated wagering and gaming sector. A heartfelt expression of gratitude goes out to the Executive Committee, our committed team, our members, charitable organizations, and collaborators – this triumph is a testament to our collective endeavors. United, we’ve significantly elevated the standards and collaborated closely with governing bodies to propose rational and measured modifications as outlined in the latest official document.”