CASINO operations director Paul Benton has won one of the gaming industry’s highest accolades – for recognising women working in the sector.

Paul, who is operations director for Grosvenor Casino in Huddersfield, received the award after being shortlisted in the Men Championing Women category of the prestigious Women in Gaming Awards.

The award acknowledges a company leader or innovator in the industry who has shown a commitment to progressing the development of women in business over the last year.

Paul worked for the distinguished Spencer family for more than two years in a variety of roles – from estate manager to butler for Raine Spencer, stepmother of Princess Diana.

He went on to work for Mecca Bingo before moving to the casino side of The Rank Group plc as operations director at Folly Hall.

Now almost a quarter of Paul’s senior management team across the Grosvenor Casino estate are female. Paul actively encourages his top team to “push the boundaries, challenge the norm and raise their own profile” among the senior executives.

John Fordham, general manager for the casino in Huddersfield, said: “Paul supports and nurtures his team – something which is really appreciated by the female members of the team.

Said Paul: “I’m honoured to win such a renowned and respected category at the Women in Gaming Awards.

“Women are starting to play a much more influential role in the gaming industry and we look forward to continuing the great work we do as we firmly believe in championing females in the industry, especially those we employ.”