Brigid Simmonds to step down as Chairman of BGC

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has announced that Chairman Brigid Simmonds is set to step down from her position on 20 April 2024. 

Simmonds has held the position of Chair since the BGC was established in 2019. Previously she was the Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association for 10 years and before that was the Chief Executive of the umbrella organisation Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL). 

During a meeting of the BGC’s Executive Committee， it was decided that BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher will take over as Chair from 21 April 2024. The BGC has said recruitment for a new CEO will start straightaway led by an external recruitment company. 

Dugher said: "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 Chairman， 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.” 

Simmonds added: “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 would like to thank the Executive Committee，Online Casino Games 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. 

"Since the BGC was established， it has worked with members to significantly raise standards across the regulated betting and gaming sector， while working closely with Government on the wide ranging package of balanced， proportionate and effective reforms， contained in the White Paper.”