Entain has appointed Stella David as its permanent chief executive with immediate effect, the company said. David had been serving as interim chief executive for a second time; the appointment follows Gavin Isaacs’ departure in February after five months in the role.
The appointment gives Entain a permanent chief executive as it pursues its strategy and reorganisation.
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The UK Gambling Commission is seeking a chief executive after Andrew Rhodes left in April, with applications due by 23 October, according to the recruitment notice. The role pays £190,000 a year and requires the successful candidate to lead the Illegal Markets programme, deliver a return on HM Treasury’s three-year investment from 2026/27, and oversee domestic reforms and National Lottery regulation.
Two UK MPs have asked the Gambling Commission to explain how it assessed Phil Walker’s suitability as interim chief executive of Allwyn UK. They cited his work with City Gaming and a 2024 personal sanction by the commission; Allwyn defended the appointment, while Game Nation said Walker would step back from his non-executive role from 1 September for the contract’s duration. The commission’s response was not stated.
Andrew Rhodes has joined advisory firm Hawkbridge after leaving Harris Hagan, reportedly. Former Push Gaming chief operating officer Andy Bentley is also listed as a consultant.
The Pools chief executive James Arnold has left the role, reportedly, and Companies House records show his directorship ended on 13 March. He had led the business for more than three years; the report linked the departure to several years of financial difficulty but did not state a reason for his exit.
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.