Bacta has appointed a new Director of Communications to replace the departing George McGregor. Allaster Gair, who joins on 7th July, will have little time to take stock with a growing number of pressing issues competing for his attention not least the campaign to discredit high street AGCs.
Bacta has announced the appointment of Allaster Gair to the position of Director of Communications, effective 7th July.
Gair, who replaces Executive Director George McGregor who announced in March that he would be stepping down from a full-on role, joins from global advisory consultancy the DGA Group where he spent 5-years most recently as Senior Associate.
Looking ahead to joining Bacta’s leadership team and driving the trade association’s communications programme he stated: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Bacta at such a pivotal time for the industry. It represents a sector with deep roots in local economies, and I’m looking forward to proactively championing its value and telling its story.”
He noted: “The key challenge is changing outdated perceptions and I’ll be working hard to ensure stakeholders understand the modern, responsible nature of the industry and how it strongly contributes both economically and socially.
“The sector needs to clearly and consistently influence opinion, build trust, and inform policy in what is a complex landscape. I see huge potential to go on the front foot and tell the sector’s positive stories. In particular I’m keen to highlight its beneficial impact, commitment to safer gambling, and its importance to the wider economy.”
Bacta’s outgoing President John Bollom, who led the appointments panel which comprised Joseph Cullis, Nick Harding, Tony Boulton and Elizabeth Speed said: “I am delighted to welcome Allaster who was without doubt the stand-out candidate. His background at DGA Group, formerly Interel, means that he is extremely well versed in the industry and ticks so many boxes.
“The comms challenges that we face are significant not least combatting the media onslaught that’s being directed at the Adult Gaming Sector and enhancing the ways in which Bacta engages with its members.
“Ahead of his official join date Allaster will be attending the Bacta AGM on June 19thand will be available to meet with members.”
“Finally, I would like to place on the record my thanks to George McGregor who ends a 21-year association with Bacta. “His knowledge and experience have been a great asset and he has been a source of wise counsel during what has been an extremely challenging period for the industry.
“We are very sad to see George moving-on but understand his desire to switch from a full-on role to advisory work and he leaves with our very best wishes.”
