Prize Competition Council appoints Tom Banks as Executive Director

Banks will focus initially on DCMS Code compliance and representing Prize Competition Council members

The Prize Competition Council (PCC), the recently formed trade association for the prize competition sector, has appointed Tom Banks as its first Executive Director.

Banks joins the PCC at a time of rapid growth, with membership increasing from eight founding members to 65 since its launch earlier this year.

The council gives its members a collective voice and supports their work under the DCMS Code of Good Practice for Prize Draw Operators. It also represents the market in discussions with government, regulators, the media and the wider sector ecosystem.

Banks will help members meet the requirements of the DCMS Code and promote best practice across the market. He will also lead the council’s continued growth by encouraging more operators to become members.

He brings more than 13 years’ experience across public affairs, corporate communications and reputation management, including work on elections and for political parties. He spent four years advising Kindred as a consultant at Public First before moving in-house for a further four years, most recently as Head of External Relations at FDJ UNITED.

His work has included government engagement and regulatory change across the UK and Europe. He has also supported  organisations with consumer protection, social responsibility and public-facing campaigns.

George McGregor, independent chair of the Prize Competition Council, said: “The Prize Competition Council now represents 65 members, and supporting them with the requirements of the DCMS Code is our immediate priority. Tom brings experience of explaining complex regulatory issues to government, regulators and the media across the UK and Europe.

“He understands the scrutiny facing businesses that serve the public and the need to support what they say with evidence. That experience will help PCC represent our members and explain how responsible prize competition operators work. I’m very pleased to welcome him as Executive Director.”

Banks said: “Millions of people across the UK enter prize draws and competitions each year. The Prize Competition Council has an important role in explaining how the market works, championing responsible operators and making sure the sector’s voice is heard when decisions affecting it are made.

“My first priority will be listening to members and supporting their work under the DCMS Code. I also want us to make a confident case for the sector by showing the standards responsible operators uphold, explaining how prize competitions work and representing the people who choose to take part.

“That means engaging early and constructively with government, regulators and the media while continuing to raise standards across the market. I’m looking forward to working with George, the board and our members.”