John White, formerly deputy general secretary at UK trade association BACTA, has been named as the successor to the outgoing chief executive, Leslie MacLeod-Miller, whose resignation was announced last week.
White left BACTA 20 years ago to further a career in running trade associations and will take over the role at the association from July 21. He comes from the Timber Trade Federation, where he was chief executive, having held that post for nine years.
He was previously 12 years at BACTA and commented: “I am thrilled to be returning to BACTA, a fantastic trade association that is working hard to promote the interests of its members.
“The industry faces a number of challenges at present but there are also opportunities to work with policymakers and help shape the agenda for the gaming industry. I firmly believe that trade associations are a vital part of the political culture and at their best are essential to good government.
“I hope to work with all stakeholders to promote the interests of BACTA’s members and can’t wait to get started.”
Steve Hawkins, BACTA’s current president, said: “I am pleased to welcome John back to BACTA. He has worked in trade associations for many years and brings with him vast experience that will be invaluable to our members.
“During his time at the Timber Trade Federation the association’s membership doubled and the reputation of that industry significantly improved, in no small part because of his dedicated leadership.”
White is a professional trade association man, having worked in industries as diverse as meat rendering to baby products, and garden furniture to gambling. Before the Timber Trade Federation he was director of the Federation of Bakers.
