The Gambling Commission (GC) has finally secured a permanent chair to replace Marcus Boyle with the appointment of Ruth Evans.
Evans, who will take up the post from 30 September and serve a five-year term, will be paid £85,000 per annum for a time commitment of two days per week.
She will replace Charles Counsell who has occupied the role in a temporary capacity since February 2025.
The former CEO of The Pensions Regulator was confirmed as interim chair in December 2024 after Boyle announced he was to step down.
The chair role had been advertised on at least two occasions since Counsell’s arrival at the Birmingham-based regulator.
The GC remains without a permanent CEO after Andrew Rhodes left the quango earlier this year. Sarah Gardner is currently serving as acting CEO.
Evans, who is best known as chair of membership organisation Stop Scams UK, was previously chair of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
IPSA is responsible for safeguarding public funds by regulating MPs’ pay and expenses and was established following the expenses scandal in the mid-2010s.
Evans also worked at the Financial Conduct Authority as chair of the payments strategy forum and chaired an advisory group to deliver an industry code to protect victims of authorised push payment scams.
Stop Scams UK is a membership body that aims to “facilitate cross-sector collaboration between firms in those sectors most affected by scams”.
Members include banks such as Santander, Nationwide and Monzo, as well as tech giants Meta, Amazon and Google.
Evans’ career has also included stints as deputy director at mental health charity Mind, CEO of the National Consumer Council and the first chair of the Bar Standards Board.
On her new role, Evans said in a statement: “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.
“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.
“I look forward to working with the Commission to encourage online safety for UK citizens that strengthen consumer protections while supporting a responsible, innovative and sustainable gambling sector.
“By combining proportionate regulation with partnership and shared responsibility, we can build greater public confidence and create lasting benefits for consumers and the wider economy.”
Lisa Nandy, DCMS secretary of state, added: “I am pleased to announce Ruth Evans as the incoming 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.
“I would also like to thank Charles Counsell OBE for his leadership of the Gambling Commission since February 2025. He has been a passionate and diligent chair, and we owe him our gratitude.”
A GC statement read: “The Gambling Commission would like to thank Charles Counsell for his leadership and commitment during his time as interim chair, which provided stability for the organisation during an important period.”
Arnold Ash is EGR’s executive recruitment partner. It supports ambitious organisations to identify and attract industry leading executive talent. Find out more here.
The post Gambling Commission confirms appointment of new chair first appeared on EGR Intel.
Stop Scams UK chair Ruth Evans to take up the post at the end of September as regulator ends search for permanent successor to Marcus Boyle
The post Gambling Commission confirms appointment of new chair first appeared on EGR Intel.