Key Moments:
- Ruth Evans will begin a five-year term as Chair of the UK Gambling Commission on 30 September 2026.
- Evans will succeed Charles Counsell OBE, who has served as interim Chair since February 2025.
- The Commission highlighted Evans’ strong background in consumer protection and regulatory leadership.
Leadership Change at the UK Gambling Commission
Ruth Evans will become Chair of the UK Gambling Commission on 30 September 2026. She will serve a five-year term. Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy announced the appointment. The leadership change comes at an important time for the gambling sector.
Evans will succeed Charles Counsell OBE, who has served as interim Chair since February 2025.
Experience in Regulation and Consumer Protection
The Commission highlighted Evans’ extensive experience in consumer advocacy and regulatory oversight. She has held leadership roles at several major organisations.
Evans previously chaired the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. She also became the first Chair of the Bar Standards Board.
In addition, Evans led the Standards and Ethics Committee at the General Medical Council for nine years. She also served as a Non-Executive Director at the Serious Fraud Office.
Efforts to Combat Financial Crime
More recently, Evans has focused on preventing financial crime. She led Stop Scams UK, bringing together banks, telecommunications companies, and technology firms to improve support for fraud victims.
In 2018, Evans chaired the team that developed a major voluntary code. The code helped victims of Authorised Push Payment scams receive reimbursement.
Statements from Key Figures
Lisa Nandy welcomed the appointment, saying:
“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.”
Nandy also thanked Charles Counsell for his leadership and dedication during his tenure.
Evans stressed the importance of collaboration, noting:
“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.”
The Secretary of State made the appointment under the Gambling Act 2005. An independent panel provided advice during the process. Evans will serve for five years and commit two days per week to the role.
Charles Counsell OBE, Interim Chair, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Ruth as the new Chair of the Gambling Commission. Ruth’s regulatory and consumer experience will be invaluable to the Board as we continue our work to make gambling safer, fairer and crime-free.”
Leadership Timeline
| Chair | Position Type | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Counsell OBE | Interim Chair | February 2025 | 30 September 2026 |
| Ruth Evans | Chair | 30 September 2026 | Five-year term |
- Author
Daniel Williams
