UK Gambling Commission appoints Andrew Rhodes as interim CEO

The UK Gambling Commission has appointed Andrew Rhodes as its new interim CEO following what it described as a thorough search and highly competitive process.
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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has appointed Andrew Rhodes as its new interim CEO following what it described as a thorough search and highly competitive process to recruit the role.

Rhodes will join the Commission later this month to take up the job for an 18-month period, bringing with him over 20 years of private and public sector experience. He joins from Swansea University where he was Registrar and Chief Operating Officer.

Before his role in higher education, Rhodes held senior roles at several organisations including the Department for Work and Pensions, Food Standards Agency and the DVLA.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “The Gambling Commission is one of the world’s highest-profile and most respected regulators so I am delighted to join the team at such an important time.

“Protecting the public and players from gambling harm will continue to be central to our work and I am looking forward to meeting people from across the industry and those with lived experience to understand the issues and opportunities which lay ahead.

“This is a great time to have the opportunity to work in gambling regulation. The Government’s Gambling Act Review represents a fantastic opportunity to deliver real and sustained improvements in the way gambling is provided and regulated. As the regulator, we have a unique and important role to play at the forefront of that change.”

Rhodes takes on the interim CEO mantle following the departure of former CEO Neil McArthur, who left after nearly 15 years with the regulator back in March.

Commission Chairman Bill Moyes added: “Andrew has a first-class track record of delivery, strong leadership and innovation both in the private sector and in the civil service.

“I have no doubt he will prove to be an exceptional appointment here at the Commission and it comes at a time when the spotlight is on gambling regulation and operators. I am looking forward to working closely with Andrew as I prepare to hand over to a new chair in September.”

Earlier this year, the UKGC outlined its new three-year corporate strategy which aims to continue to protect the public and players from harm, as well as its 2021 to 2022 business plan.