The Betting and Gaming Council has appointed David Willetts as its director of communications and digital.
In his new position, beginning in the new year, Willetts responsibilities will include coordinating its press and public relations operations, with assistance from deputy director of communications and digital, Michael Denoual.
Moreover, Willetts will aim to work towards the BGC’s objective of “building consumer and public trust in the betting and gaming industry”.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Betting and Gaming Council and can’t wait to get started,” expressed Willetts. “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.”
Willett will move over from his current role as press secretary to Convervative cabinet minister, Ben Wallace, and head of ministerial communications at the MoD. Additionally, Willett previously worked in journalism for The Sun for over a decade before joining the MoD.
“The BGC is the standards body committed to driving big changes across the regulated betting and gaming industry,” explained Michael Dugher, chief executive at the BGC.
“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.”
The latest hiring from the BGC follows on from its statement earlier this month where it welcomed the news that Facebook is set to introduce an opt-out for the vast majority of betting adverts on its platform.
Following a similar move made by Snapchat earlier this year, the option will ensure that users of the social media network who no longer wish to view such adverts will be able to do so.