Emily Tofield will become Ygam’s new chief executive starting 6 January 2026. She replaces Dr Jane Rigbye, who left the role in June after running the charity for three and a half years.
Tofield spent 20 years working across UK government departments, local councils and nonprofits. Her past employers include the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Justice, and the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. She also worked at the University of Sussex and the City of London Corporation.
She’s known for her work in strategic communications. Her skills cover corporate affairs, reputation management and policy development. Right now she sits on the board of Porchlight, a Kent homelessness charity.
She also chairs the Girls’ Learning Trust, Britain’s biggest all-girls state school network, and recently joined the British Dietetic Association’s board.
Why This Leadership Change Matters
The appointment signals Ygam’s push to expand its reach among young people. The charity focuses on preventing gambling and gaming harms in children. Having someone with deep government connections could help shape policy discussions around youth protection.
Tofield’s background spans the exact areas Ygam needs. She understands how to work with regulators, policymakers and education systems. That matters as gambling operators face mounting pressure to do more on youth safeguarding.
The role became vacant when Rigbye stepped down mid-year. Helen Martin filled in as interim CEO during the search process.
What Tofield Brings to the Position
Her government experience gives her direct access to decision-makers. She’s navigated complex stakeholder environments across multiple departments. That includes working on policy development and public affairs campaigns.
Tofield’s track record in the nonprofit sector shows she can balance impact work with operational demands. Her current board roles demonstrate ongoing commitment to social causes. The Girls’ Learning Trust connection is particularly relevant. She already works with youth-focused education programmes.
Ygam’s chair Mike Wojcik said the recruitment process was “highly competitive.” He pointed to Tofield’s expertise in stakeholder engagement and social impact as key factors. The charity’s entering a new strategic planning cycle, which influenced the timing.
How This Shapes Ygam’s Direction
Tofield inherits a charity that’s grown its reach significantly. Ygam now works with record numbers of young people on gaming and digital safety. But the sector faces fresh challenges as technology evolves faster than regulation.
Her government background could accelerate Ygam’s policy influence. The charity wants stronger recognition as an expert voice on youth gambling harms. Tofield’s existing relationships with policymakers might speed that process.
She called prevention work her passion during the announcement. That aligns with Ygam’s core mission, stopping problems before they start rather than treating them after. Rigbye remains connected to the charity as a trustee, which should help with continuity during the handover.
