London-listed betting and gaming operator GVC Holdings has promoted Grainne Hurst to the newly created role of group corporate affairs director.
In her new role, Hurst will build on the operator’s ambition to lead the industry on responsible gambling and develop relationships with the media and external partners. She is currently on maternity leave until next month.
Hurst was previously director of responsible gambling at GVC, a position she held since the company’s acquisition of Ladbrokes Coral Group in March 2017, where she led the company’s parliamentary liaison.
Prior to joining GVC, she served as a government special advisor as well as in a variety of senior communications roles at supermarket giant Asda and communications consultants Luther Pendragon.
“Grainne brings a wealth of experience to this new position, both within GVC where she has spear-headed our Changing for the Bettor Safer Gambling campaign, and from previous communications roles,” said GVC CEO Kenneth Alexander.
“I am delighted to be promoting from within GVC, after an extensive external search, which proves we have the existing talent and expertise to develop our leadership team. I look forward to welcoming Grainne back from maternity leave next month.”
Commenting on her new role Hurst said: “Ensuring that GVC continues to lead the way in safer gambling, corporate social responsibility and regulatory affairs, has never been so important.
“I am delighted to be joining the talented management team at GVC, following my maternity leave as well as working with our industry and charitable partners to deliver a successful, sustainable and socially responsible business.”
Shares in GVC Holdings plc (LSE:GVC) were trading up 15.48 per cent at 558.60 pence per share in London earlier Monday after the company said that it expected to report a lower than anticipated impact on EBITDA from COVID-19.