The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is seeking a new Director of Communications, following the departure of Kevin Schofield as its media and public-relations boss.
Following a 25-year career in political journalism, Schofield joined the BGC at the beginning of 2020, as the trade body began to enact its vision to become ‘the single representative voice’ of the UK gambling sector taking over the responsibilities of Remote Gambling Association (RGA) and The Senet Group.
Schofield’s appointment was viewed as integral to the BGC’s core strategy when considering how to approach its representation of the UK gambling industry ahead of the historic judgements expected in the government’s review of the 2005 Gambling Act.
However, Schofield’s departure was confirmed to PR Week, as he chose to return to a news desk in becoming the Politics Editor of HuffPost UK. The experienced political journalist said it was a position that he could not turn down.
BGC Chief Executive, Michael Dugher, thanked Schofield for his “superb job helping to establish the BGC as the new standards body driving change on safer gambling”, and helping better and fairly represent “a regulated sector that supports 119,000 jobs and pays billions in tax.”
“I always knew that he was one of the finest journalists of his generation, but it has been a privilege to work with him as he rightly emerged with a reputation as being one of the best communications professionals in the country,” Dugher told PR Week.
“He leaves BGC for what is undoubtedly an exciting opportunity and one that befits his immense talent. Kevin and his family remain dear friends, and I wish them all the very best for the future.”