Betting and Gaming Council chair appointed to Nottingham Forest board
Former BGC boss Michael Dugher joins the Premier League side’s board as ex-chairman Tom Cartledge departs the club
Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) chair Michael Dugher has been appointed to the board of directors of Premier League football team Nottingham Forest.
Dugher moved up to the role of BGC chair in April 2024, replacing Brigid Simmonds in the position.
He previously served as the BGC CEO from December 2019 until September 2024, when Grainne Hurst officially took over in the role.
Before his time at the BGC, Dugher worked as CEO of UK Music from May 2017 to February 2020.
He also had an extensive career in UK politics, working as an MP for Barnsley East from May 2010 to April 2017.
He held the roles of chief political spokesperson to the prime minister from September 2008 to March 2010, and special advisor to the government chief whip between September 2007 and September 2008.
Dugher takes up the role on the Nottingham Forest board in place of former chairman Tom Cartledge, who the club say has left his position to focus on running his family business.
Speaking about his appointment, Dugher said: “As a massive Forest fan, to be asked to join the board of the greatest football club on planet earth is a huge honour and a privilege.
“Thanks to the superb support and ongoing commitment of our owners, these are exciting times for Nottingham Forest – back where we belong competing amongst the elite of English football.
“I know how important the club is to the local community as well as to fans living across the country and indeed throughout the world. I hope I can use some of my experience to help the owners and the board continue to build the club from strength to strength.”
Dugher has been involved with the club in some capacity in the past, both as a patron and a board member of the Nottingham Forest Community Trust.
Nottingham Forest chairman Nicholas Randall KC added: “We are delighted to welcome Michael to our board of directors. He is an outstanding candidate as well as fan of the club.
“His expertise in public affairs and his local knowledge and experience complements perfectly the existing skills on our board. He joins us at a very exciting time both on and off the field and we look forward to working with him.”
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