Senet Group appoints new CEO

Responsible gambling body Senet Group has appointed Sarah Hanratty as its new CEO to replace recently-departed chief exec George Kidd.

Hanratty is currently deputy CEO and director of corporate affairs at the Portman Group, the responsibility body for alcoholic drinks in the UK, and will join Senet Group from 6 August.

She joined the Portman Group in 2010 as head of communications from the National Lottery Commission, having previously worked at the Cabinet Office.

Senet Group chairman Gillian Wilmot said of the appointment: “Gambling is enjoyed safely by millions of people as a leisure activity each year, yet the industry faces an immense challenge to regain the public’s trust and confidence.

“Sarah brings a wealth of experience in effecting change across the alcohol sector and has done much to secure its sustainability as a category which adds positively to society and our national way of life,” she added.

The Senet Group was created in January 2015 in response to public concerns regarding gambling and gambling advertising. It created the award-winning campaign: When the Fun Stops, Stop.

“I am delighted to be joining the Senet Group, bringing my experience from the Portman Group where member companies are recognised for their responsibility leadership,” said Hanratty.

“I see many parallels with the Senet Group, whose partners and Board have already achieved a great deal, not least through its stand-out responsible player messaging and public commitment to improve player safety.

“I look forward to building on this strong foundation and the important work in the gambling sector done to date.”