Marc Etches has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the GREaT Foundation. The charity which promotes responsible gambling is hoping the new appointment will aid in its fundraising campaigns.

Etches took on the role from the July 1st, however his predecessor, Geoffrey Godbold, will be sticking around until 9th September 2011 to help out. Etches has been running his own consultancy business for the last seven years and is currently studying towards a PhD in "Public Policy and Casino Gaming". He has carried out a number of roles in the leisure industry with First Leisure, Granada, Windsor Safari Park, Center Parcs and Leisure Parcs, including Blackpool Tower and six UK piers.

We reported how the charity recruited the former Chief Executive of Gala, Neil Goulden, as chairman last month. Goulden, said the GREaT is delighted to have secured Marc's services as Chief Executive in succession to Geoffrey Godbold. His experience, stature and wide contacts in the gambling industry will undoubtedly add a new impetus to GREaT's fundraising activities.

About the GREaT Foundation

Established in June 2009, The GREaT Foundation raises funds through voluntary donations to support research, education and treatment of problem gambling. In addition to the gambling industry, supporters also include finance organisations, media, legal and professional advisers.

Since June 2009, that charity have provided £5.77million against grant requests to the Responsible Gambling Fund to support various commissioned research, education and treatment projects