Former Beer & Pub Association CEO to chair new gambling trade association

The CEO of Britain’s Beer & Pub Association, Brigid Simmonds, has been named chair of the new unified gambling industry trade body, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

Simmonds will now work with the industry to recruit a chief executive, with a formal launch of the BGC in the Autumn.

The new trade body will replace the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) and Association of British Bookmakers (ABB), which will both be wound down.

Simmonds joins the BGC after ten years as CEO of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) where she oversaw successful campaigns to reduce beer duty and improve access for pubs to business rates relief.

Simon Emeny, BBPA chairman, described Simmonds as a “force of nature” and “rapier sharp”.

“Brigid has led the organisation with confidence, sharp intellect and humour when needed, and has successfully raised the profile of the BBPA and its members with government, media and other legislative organisations,” said Emeny.

“Brigid is a true force of nature and I feel privileged to have served alongside her. She is powerful in her arguments, passionate in her defence of great British beer and the great British pub, and rapier-sharp in negotiating with politicians.

“She has been an incredible representative of our sector and I know I speak on behalf of all the BBPA members when I say that the BBPA’s loss is most definitely the gambling industry’s gain.”

The Betting and Gaming Council said it would be dedicated to delivering a safe and entertaining gambling experience for customers and building consumer and public trust in the sector.

Brigid Simmonds

“I am excited to be joining the Betting and Gaming Council as its first chair,” Simmonds said.

“The gambling industry is a hugely significant contributor to the leisure industry and to the economy. There are however, critical issues facing the sector and that is why I will ensure that creating a safe gambling environment is the top priority.

“I will be listening to all stakeholders to ensure that the Betting and Gaming Council is leading the industry in identifying effective measures to protect customers,” she continued.

“I firmly believe the UK regulated gambling industry should be recognised as the world-leading industry in terms of safer gambling.”

Simmonds previously served on the board of Sport England, and is a former trustee of gambling charity GambleAware.

Membership of the Betting and Gaming Council will be open to all gambling operators with a UK licence and represent over 90% of the gambling sector (excluding the lotteries).

All members will be required to adhere to a new Code of Conduct setting the “highest standards” for membership

John Coates, chairman of the RGA and bet365 co-CEO, added: “Brigid has an outstanding track record of delivering strong leadership and I am delighted that she will be joining the new Betting and Gaming Council.

“I know she will drive co-operation across the industry on all safer gambling initiatives as it continues to come together to collectively address the challenges it faces.”