Dirk Vennix (49), a former journalist and current Director of communications at the Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association, will take over as Chief Executive of the Association of British Bookmakers from 4 April 2011.
Vennix said : “I will continue to support and protect the interests of socially responsible betting shop operators, so that they can compete and survive in an austere economic climate.
“I will therefore ask ministers to provide a fair level of taxation and levies for betting-shop operators and speak to the Gambling Commission, local authorities, parliamentarians and other key decision-makers about the need for evidence-based and sensible regulation.”
Vennix has also spent time as head of marketing and communications at Liverpool John Moores University, before spending ten years in a range of senior management roles in corporate affairs with British Gas. He also worked as director of campaign operations at Enterprise Insight, a government-funded body promoting new business to people between the ages of 18-13.
Vennix continued: “Betting is an issue which deserves to be approached in a carefully considered and balanced manner by all stakeholders. I’m looking forward to helping to build a more mutually beneficial dialogue with the racing industry.”