Distinguished Consumer Champion and Regulatory Veteran Steps in to Lead the Regulator Through Upcoming Strategic Shifts
Ruth Evans has officially been appointed as the incoming Chair of the Gambling Commission by DCMS Secretary of State Lisa Nandy. Bringing a career spanning over four decades in public protection, consumer rights, and institutional oversight, Evans succeeds interim Chair Charles Counsell OBE, who has led the Commission since February 2025.
Evans is widely recognized for her high-profile leadership roles across British regulatory bodies and charities. Her extensive background includes serving as Chair of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), the first Chair of the Bar Standards Board, a Lay Member and Standards and Ethics Committee chair for the General Medical Council, and a Non-Executive Director for the Serious Fraud Office. Currently serving as the Chair of Stop Scams UK and the Criminal Legal Aid Advisory Board, she brings a deep-rooted expertise in combating financial crime and protecting consumers.
Leadership Perspectives on the Appointment
DCMS Secretary of State Lisa Nandy welcomed the appointment, emphasizing the critical timing of the transition:
“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.”
Incoming Gambling Commission Chair Ruth Evans highlighted her vision for the role:
“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.”
Outgoing interim Chair Charles Counsell OBE also endorsed the transition:
“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. As we develop a new strategy, ramp up our world leading work to tackle illegal gambling and complete our part in the implementation of the Gambling Act Review, Ruth’s role will be pivotal in the years ahead.”
