Search Is Over: UKGC Appoints Ruth Evans as Permanent Chair

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has finally found its new permanent chair after a lengthy period of leadership uncertainty that started with the departure of Marcus Boyle in January 2025. Ruth Evans has eventually been chosen to lead the commission. Evans on the Appointment: “I Am Delighted” Commenting on the decision, Evans said: “I am delighted to have been appointed chair of the Gambling Commission at a time when its role in keeping gambling fair, safe and crime-free is more important than ever.” The new chair will take over the role on September 30, replacing Charles Counsell, who has served as interim chair since Boyle stepped down. Evans, who will serve a five-year term, will bring extensive experience in consumer protection, regulation and financial crime. Her extensive resume includes serving as founder of Stop Scams Un, as well as chair of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and the Bar Standards Board, and as a lay member of the General Medical Council for nine years. There, she chaired the council’s Standards and Ethics Committee, while also serving as a non-executive director of the Serious Fraud Office. Her background in tackling financial crime includes chairing a steering group responsible for helping victims of authorized push payment scams receive compensation. UKGC Faces Major Challenges Evans’ arrival is therefore timed to a particularly important moment for the Gambling Commission, as the regulator has experienced several senior departures over the past year, including chief executive officer Andrew Rhodes in April and executive director Tim Miller in June. There have also been changes within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, including a new gambling minister, while DCMS civil servant Sarah Fox has been seconded to the Gambling Commission to take over Miller’s remit. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy welcomed Evans’ appointment, saying she would take on the role at an important time for the industry and help support a sustainable sector while ensuring strong protections against gambling-related harm. One of the biggest issues facing the new chair will be the future direction of gambling regulation. Proposed changes, including the decision to revoke the so-called “aim to permit” principle, have already raised important questions about whether wider legislative reform could eventually be required. Evans said collaboration between regulators, industry and technology companies would be essential to achieving better outcomes for consumers. The remaining major appointment is the Gambling Commission’s chief executive. Sarah Gardner is currently serving as acting chief executive officer, leaving the regulator still waiting for a permanent replacement. Counsell, meanwhile, will leave the chair position after more than a year in the interim role. Nandy thanked him for his work, describing him as a “passionate and diligent chair.” The UK Gambling Commission chair position carries annual remuneration of GBP 85,000 ($115,000) for a commitment of two days per week.