Lisa Nandy has made a key appointment in the UK gambling sector, entrusting Ruth Evans with the role of Chair of the Gambling Commission. Evans, appointed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, becomes the Commission’s first permanent Chair in nearly two years.
It ticks off one of the three key appointments needed at the regulator, which, before this appointment, had no permanent Chair, Chief Executive Officer or Executive Director.
Charles Counsell had been serving in the role of Chair on an interim basis following the departure of Marcus Boyle back in January 2025.
Over 18 months later, the regulator has a replacement, who will join on 30 September for a five-year term.
