The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has announced the appointment of David Willets as its new Director of Communications and Digital, heading up the organisation’s press and public relations division.
Joining from the beginning of 2022, Willets is tasked with working towards the BGC’s objective of ‘building consumer and public trust in the betting and gaming industry’ with assistance from Deputy Director of Communications and Digital, Michael Denoual.
Willets joins the BGC from a position in government, currently serving as Press Secretary for Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and Head of Ministerial Communications at the Ministry of Defence.
Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “The BGC is the standards body committed to driving big changes across the regulated betting and gaming industry.
“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.”
Prior to working in governmental communications, Willets spent 10 years working as a journalist for The Sun.
The hire comes with the backdrop of the Gambling Act 2005 review upcoming, placing a larger emphasis on public relations and communications at the BGC in the new year.
Willets added on his appointment: “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.”