Senet Group names former online dating regulator as chief exec

The Senet Group has named George Kidd as its new chief executive with immediate effect, the self-regulatory body confirmed today.

The new chief exec replaces Ron Finlay, who left earlier this year after resigning from the Group.

Kidd has held numerous regulation and self-regulation roles, including his most recent as chair of the Direct Marketing Commission.

He has also served as chief executive at the regulator of premium phone calls PhonepayPlus and the self-regulatory Online Dating Association, as well as non-executive roles in the charity fundraising and conveyancing services.

Previous to his regulatory roles, Kidd was with the Cabinet Office and with the Foreign Office as British Consulate in Chicago.

Kidd said he was looking forward to getting started at Senet, which counts William Hill, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power and Coral as its founding members.

“The sector is taking the issue of responsible gambling seriously as is clear from the impressive work to address this across its advertising, its support for Senet’s own campaigns and joint work on a self-exclusion scheme,” said Kidd.

“I am sure Senet will continue to play an important role based on strong relationships with other bodies in the sector and our other stakeholders,” he added.