BGC appoints David Willetts as director of communications and digital

David Willetts has been appointed as director of communications and digital for the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC).

Currently serving as press secretary to Conservative cabinet minister Ben Wallace and head of ministerial communications at the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Willetts will take up his new role at the trade body from the new year.

Aside from his experience working for the government, Willetts has a background in journalism having worked for over a decade at The Sun prior to joining the MoD.

In his new role, Willetts will be assisted by deputy director of communications and digital, Michael Denoual.

“The BGC is the standards body committed to driving big changes across the regulated betting and gaming industry,” said Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC.

Dugher further stated: “David Willetts is a brilliantly experienced and respected former journalist and communications professional with an outstanding reputation in the media and in government.

“David will be a formidable asset for the BGC. He also joins a strong team which includes the superbly talented Michael Denoual.”

Speaking on his appointment, Willetts said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Betting and Gaming Council and can’t wait to get started.

“They’ve already made big strides increasing standards across the industry and I’m looking forward to working with the excellent team to drive that work on.”

Meanwhile, earlier this month, the BGC welcomed the news that Facebook is to introduce an opt-out for the vast majority of betting adverts on the social media platform.