Ruth Evans joins UK Gambling Commission as Chair

• Experienced leader and prominent UK regulatory figure, Ruth Evans, will succeed Charles Counsell, assuming the role of Chair of the Gambling Commission
• Bringing more than four decades of leadership experience, Evans will fill the key role on September 30, 2026
• Lisa Nandy, DCMS Secretary of State, welcomes the new Chair

The UK Gambling Commission, the country’s gambling regulator, will soon have a new Chair.

On Monday this week, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) confirmed that Ruth Evans, a prominent UK regulatory figure and consumer champion, will assume the role of Chair of the Gambling Commission.

Ruth Evans will serve for a five-year term

In January 2025, Marcus Boyle departed from the role of Chair of the Commission.

The role was since filled by Charles Counsell, who was appointed as Interim Chair while the search for a permanent successor had started.

Now, this search is finally over, and Evans is going to fill the position of Chair at the gambling watchdog, effective from September 30, 2026, a press release confirms.

The gambling regulator’s new Chair brings more than 40 years of leadership experience.

Throughout her career, Evans served as Chair of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, a body overseeing public funds by regulating MPs’ expenses and pay.

Moreover, she was also the first Chair of the Bar Standards Board and has served as a Non-Executive Director for the Serious Fraud Office.

One of the many highlights of Evans’ career is her central role with the organization uniting businesses and financial services to stop scams, Stop Scams UK.

Holding the position of Chair of Stop Scams UK, she plays a central role in the collaboration between businesses, technology companies, telecom operators and banks.

The Commission’s new Chair will serve for a five-year term.

Evans will be remunerated at £85,000 ($115,100) per year for a time commitment of two days per week, the DCMS revealed in a press release.

The new Chair is delighted to join the Gambling Commission

The Gambling Commission thanked Charles Counsell, praising his leadership, commitment and dedication he demonstrated as Interim Chair.

According to the UK gambling watchdog, Counsell provided "stability for the organization during an important period."

The incoming Chair of the Gambling Commission shared her excitement and 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."

Moreover, Evans pointed out: "Throughout my career in consumer protection, I have seen that the best outcomes are achieved through effective collaboration between regulators, industry and the technology sector."

DCMS Secretary of State Lisa Nandy was similarly excited and optimistic.

She said she is pleased to confirm Evans will assume the role of Chair of the Gambling Commission.

"She becomes Chair at this incredibly important time, supporting a sustainable, thriving industry with the essential protections needed to prevent harm," Nandy added.

Finally, the DCMS Secretary of State thanked Counsell for his leadership and dedication while holding the role of Interim Chair.

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