Ruth Evans Appointed Chair of the Gambling Commission

The Culture Secretary has appointed Ruth Evans to a five-year term starting on 30 September, ending an interim period at the top of the regulator.

Ruth Evans will become Chair of the Gambling Commission on 30 September, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced on 7 September. She has been appointed for a five-year term by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

The appointment ends a period of interim leadership. Charles Counsell has been Interim Chair since Marcus Boyle left the role in January 2025, and the Commission thanked him for providing stability during what it described as an important period.

Why the Chair matters

The Chair leads the Commission’s board, which sets the regulator’s strategic direction. The appointment comes as the Commission prepares to introduce Financial Risk Assessments for high-spending customers in stages.

Further details of the appointment are published by DCMS.