The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has appointed Charles Counsell as its interim chair. He will begin his nine-month tenure from February 1, 2025.

With the gambling industry undergoing significant transformation, Counsell’s leadership experience from private and public sectors makes him well-positioned to lead the UK Gambling Commission.

The transition comes at a time that is crucial for the Gambling Commission. The commission is in the process of transitioning after Marcus Boyle’s tenure as Chair, which ends on January 31, 2025. Counsell’s renumeration as the interim chair will be at an annual rate of £55,000.

Past experience

Charles Counsell held numerous leadership roles and builds on his broad expertise, particularly his work in public governance. He has worked as the Senior Independent Director of the Gambling Commission, a role he assumed in April 2024.

Prior to his current role, he has also worked as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The Pensions Regulator from 2019 to 2023. During his role as a CEO, he helped shape a new corporate strategy while advancing important initiatives related to equality, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and climate change. Counsell has also served in executive roles at the Money Advice Service and as Executive Director of Automatic Enrolment.

Last month, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has announced that Boyle will be stepping down as its Chair effective 31 January 2025.

Boyle began his tenure as chair in 2022, where he reached several key milestones, which included the successful launch of the fourth National Lottery licence. It was a key initiative that contributed to funds raised for good causes exceeding £50 billion.

His three-year tenure saw him handling the commission’s governance and oversight of regulatory developments in UK gambling. He has overseen the ongoing implementation of the Gambling Act Review and White Paper which are focused on minimising gambling harm.

He has also supervised the recruitment of a whole new board of commissioners, aimed at creating a stronger governance framework. During his tenure, he also outlined a three-year strategy outlining planned advancements through 2027. The strategy focused on transparency and data use.

UKGC’s statement

“The Board of Commissioners and colleagues at the Gambling Commission have expressed their gratitude for Marcus’ leadership, dedication, and contributions over the past three years, wishing him well for the future,” read the UKGC’s statement.

The Minister for Gambling, Baroness Twycross, said, “The past three years have been very significant for the Commission, as it takes forward measures set out in the Gambling Act Review and the start of the fourth National Lottery licence.

“I am grateful for Marcus’s hard work and commitment to the Gambling Commission and public service over his tenure and wish him the best for his future endeavours.”

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