Ygam appoints Emily Tofield as new CEO

UK gambling harm prevention charity Ygam has appointed Emily Tofield as its new CEO, effective 6 January 2026.

Tofield brings two decades of leadership experience across multiple sectors, including UK government, local government, higher education, media and the not-for-profit sector.

Her previous positions include roles at the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Justice, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, University of Sussex and the City of London Corporation.

She is recognised as a leading adviser in strategic communications, with expertise spanning strategy, corporate affairs, reputation management, marketing, policy and fundraising.

Currently serving as a non-executive board member of Kent homelessness charity Porchlight, Tofield is also Chair Designate of the Girls' Learning Trust - the UK's largest all-girls state multi-academy trust. Additionally, she was recently appointed to the board of the British Dietetic Association.

Commenting on her appointment to the new role, Chair of Ygam Mike Wojcik stated: "I'm delighted to welcome Emily to Ygam following a highly competitive recruitment process. Her depth of experience and proven leadership across stakeholder and political engagement, and social impact, will be instrumental as we enter our next strategic cycle.

"Emily joins an exceptionally strong leadership team, and this appointment marks an important new chapter for Ygam as we continue to strengthen our position as a trusted expert voice and sector leader dedicated to preventing gaming, gambling and digital harms among young people."

Tofield herself added: "Ygam has reached record numbers of young people as part of its critical mission to protect children and young people from gambling and gaming harms and to help safeguard their digital futures.

"As a passionate advocate for the benefits of prevention, it is a huge privilege to take on the role of CEO of such a respected national education and prevention charity whose work already makes a difference to so many."

The appointment follows Dr Jane Rigbye's departure as CEO in June 2025 after three and a half years in the role. Helen Martin served as Interim CEO during the transition period.