Andrew Rhodes has stepped down as chief executive of the UK Gambling Commission to take a role outside the regulator in April, according to the Commission’s statement. Deputy chief executive Sarah Gardner will serve as acting chief executive while the Commission recruits a permanent replacement.
The departure creates an acting leadership arrangement while the Commission begins recruiting a permanent chief executive.
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Sarah Gardner, acting chief executive of the Gambling Commission, spoke at its CEO Briefing on 5 November, according to the Commission. She said the regulator would continue engagement with the sector and discussed work on the Gambling Act Review, the National Lottery and illegal gambling. Gardner also acknowledged that the previous week’s Budget had introduced changes affecting parts of the sector.
Acting Chief Executive Sarah Gardner gave the speech at the CEO Briefing on 5 November 2026. She addressed the audience as Acting Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission. The published text is a draft version, so the words actually spoken may vary a little.
Allwyn UK appointed Phil Walker interim chief executive, effective 7 September, as Andria Vidler prepares to step down early next month. Allwyn said Vidler would remain in an advisory role through the end of October, while the company searches for a permanent successor.
Reportedly, Chris Lyman has stepped down as COO of Allwyn UK, the National Lottery operator. The departure follows almost three years in the role and forms part of an ongoing leadership reshuffle at the company.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) confirmed that Michael Dugher left its chair role with immediate effect on 14 January 2026. Dugher, who became chair in April 2024 after serving as founding chief executive for more than four years, is taking a role at Brunswick Group as head of its UK Public Affairs Practice.
UK Tote Group appointed Andrew Weir to its board as a non-executive director, reportedly following COO Dave Hammond’s departure earlier in April. The available report does not give further details of Weir’s appointment.