Grainne Hurst is director of corporate affairs at Entain, an international sports, betting and gambling company that owns firms such as Ladbrokes, at which Hurst served as head of public affairs prior to the takeover of Ladbrokes, which saw Hurst be appointed to her role at Entain. At this time, she described a desire to be the “most responsible operator” explaining that “gambling isn’t the problem – problem gambling is the problem”. Hurst has a background in politics, having worked as a political researcher and a SPAD from 2014 to 2015. She has also been a senior public affairs manager at ASDA. In 2020, Entain won the EGR awards for Safer Gambling Operator of the Year. The next year, Entain rebranded itself – ditching the previous title of GVC Holdings – and Hurst published an article on the Betting and Gaming Council’s website outlining the company’s new strategy overhauling its brand, leadership and “vision”. A large part of this is about customer care and reduction of harms: by the end of 2023, Entain will only operate in regulated markets; it has also launched an Advanced Responsibility & Care programme.
