Paul Foster steps down as GBGA CEO to focus on other ventures

The Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Association (GBGA) has confirmed that CEO Paul Foster will step down from the position, with Nicholas Macias taking on a leadership role.

Foster has vacated the position, which he held for five years, to focus on other business ventures and projects, GBGA Chairman Nigel Birrell explained in a statement.

Additionally, GBGA Coordinator Merel Swarts will also leave the association to continue working with Foster at Crucial Compliance. Foster is the Founder and CEO of the data-driven compliance consultancy, whilst Swarts is the firm’s Head Of Human Resources & Business Operations.

In his statement, GBGA Chair Birrell asserted that Swarts has “played a pivotal role in all the operations and administration work that the GBGA has carried out over the past few years and we would like to thank Merel and wish her well”.

Moving forward, leadership of the GBGA will be taken by Nicholas Macias, who assumes the newly created role of Secretary General. Angela Almeida and Bua Malamalatabua have also been assigned administration and operations duties at the association.

Birrell reflected that the duo have been playing an active role in managing the GBGA’s website and social media, and have contributed heavily to engagement and setting events. 

He concluded: “We look forward to evolving our strategy over the coming months, starting with supporting you with understanding and adapting to the new Gambling Act in Gibraltar, and its resultant revised licensing regime, as well as revised and/or new codes of practice.”