Matt Lambert, a former Microsoft director of corporate affairs, has quit Betfair after a year to join controversial shale gas exploration company Cuadrilla.
The firm hit the headlines in 2011 when two minor earthquakes in Lancashire were linked to its exploration activity in the region. Operations were suspended pending a government review.
Lambert has joined Cuadrilla in the new role of government and public affairs director, reporting to chief executive Francis Egan. The news comes two months after the Government announced exploration could resume subject to tougher controls.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change said it planned to introduce a new regulatory body, called the Office of Unconventional Gas and Oil.
Cuadrilla is now attempting to secure planning permission and regulatory approvals for further exploration activity in Lancashire.
According to Lambert, Bell Pottinger has been advising the company on government and external relations and will continue to do so. In addition, stakeholder engagement agency PPS is helping Cuadrilla consult with the Lancashire community.
