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The Senet Group, which raises awareness of problem gambling in the UK, has appointed Sarah Hanratty as its new chief executive, effective August 6 and taking over from George Kidd, who left the position at the beginning of June.

Hanratty (pictured left) is currently deputy chief executive and director of corporate affairs at the Portman Group, the responsibility body for UK alcohol drinks producers.

Prior to that she was head of communications at the National Lottery Commission and previously worked at the Cabinet Office.

Formed in 2015, the Senet Group supports the Gambling Commission in seeking to make gambling safer and fairer, in particular through initiatives such as the acclaimed When the Fun Stops, Stop campaign.

Senet chair Gillian Wilmot said: “Sarah brings a wealth of experience in effecting change across the alcohol sector and has done much to secure its sustainability as a category that adds positively to society and our national way of life.”

“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,” added 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,” she said.