The Gambling Commission said Andrew Rhodes will leave his chief executive role at the end of April to take up a new, not-yet-announced position. Deputy CEO Sarah Gardner will serve as acting CEO during the transition while the regulator recruits an interim successor.
Operators and suppliers should note Sarah Gardner’s acting role as the Commission recruits an interim successor.
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Andrew Rhodes, who is due to leave the UK Gambling Commission on 30 April 2026, is reportedly in talks with Hawkbridge about a role. The commission said Rhodes had withdrawn from duties that could pose a conflict of interest, with deputy chief executive Sarah Gardner and other executives taking them over.
The UK Gambling Commission opened applications for its next chair, with annual pay of £59,950 and an estimated commitment of two days a week. The application deadline is 23:59 on 13 March 2026, and the role will be based in West Midlands.
Reportedly, James Coxon will become UK Tote Group’s chief executive as Alex Frost steps down. Frost will depart after nearly 10 years at the pool betting operator.
Alex Frost will step down as chief executive of UK Tote Group at the end of 2026, the company said. James Coxon, most recently Vice President International at DraftKings, will become chief executive from the start of 2027.
Reportedly, Allwyn UK has named Phil Walker interim CEO to replace departing chief executive Andria Vidler. The leadership change follows completion of a £450m technology overhaul.
The UK Gambling Commission will begin an AI-based review of online gambling advertising on 11 June, reportedly working with social media platforms. The Committee of Advertising Practice said operators must promptly amend or remove adverts that breach rules protecting under-18s; further sanctions or referral to the Commission may follow non-compliance.