Brigid Simmonds to step down as BGC chair with current CEO set to take over
Following an executive committee meeting, Brigid Simmonds has announced she will exit the role she has held since the body’s inception in 2019
Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) chair Brigid Simmonds has announced she will step down from the role on 20 April 2024, following a meeting of the BGC executive committee.
Current BGC CEO Michael Dugher will take over the role of chair on 21 April , with the search for a new CEO already underway by an external recruitment firm.
Simmonds has held the position of chair since the BGC was established in 2019 and has been a prominent advocate for the gaming industry.
Prior to her time at the BGC, Simmonds was the CEO of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) for 10 years.
She will continue to serve as VP of the Sport and Recreation Alliance and as a board member of the Tourism Alliance.
On her departure, Simmonds said: “It has been a privilege to play my part in the development of the BGC since its formation in 2019, and it has been an honour to represent the 110,000 people whose jobs rely on the regulated betting and gaming industry.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with our members, large and small, to raise standards, create a culture of safer gaming and build public and institutional trust in our world-class industry.
“I would like to thank the executive committee, colleagues, members, charities and stakeholders, who have supported me and worked very hard to deliver all of the achievements of which the BGC is rightly proud.”
Incoming chair Dugher added: “I would like to pay tribute to Brigid for all the incredible work she has done at the BGC. She has made a massive contribution during her four and a half years as chair, launching the organisation and bringing together the different sectors.
“She has also led a change programme across the industry that has seen a relentless focus on raising standards on safer gambling. Brigid is a high-integrity leader who is rightly held in huge regard, not just in the betting and gaming industry but across so many other industries and sectors and across the political divide.
“Together with a new CEO in the spring, I look forward as chair to building on that success, continuing and intensifying the work of change on standards, speaking up for the tens of thousands of men and women who work in the industry, and ensuring that the millions of people who enjoy a regular bet can do so enjoyably and safely,” he concluded.
Arnold Ash is EGR’s Executive Recruitment Partner. They support ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.