The Gambling Commission appointed Kirsty Caldwell as interim chair of its Industry Forum, replacing Nick Rust, who stepped down in November after two years in the role. Caldwell has served on the 10-member forum since March 2024; the commission said she will remain interim chair while it seeks a permanent appointment.
The appointment changes the chair of the forum through which the regulator hears gambling operators’ views.
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The Rank Group says John O’Reilly will retire as chief executive on 29 January, with chief financial officer Richard Harris taking over on an interim basis the following day. O’Reilly will continue supporting the company until the end of the 2025/2026 financial year as the board searches for a permanent successor.
Rank Group said John O’Reilly will retire as chief executive on 29 January 2026 and continue supporting the company through the end of its 2025-26 financial year. CFO Richard Harris will take over as interim CEO on 30 January while the company searches for a permanent successor.
Interim Gambling Commission CEO Sarah Gardner said the regulator has proved difficult to leave because it always presents a new challenge. Gardner, who has held most senior roles at the Commission, said she wants to foster a more creative approach to regulation.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced Ruth Evans’s appointment as chair of the Gambling Commission. She is due to begin the role on 30 September 2026 for a five-year term, following Charles Counsell’s period as interim chair.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced Ruth Evans as the next chair of the UK Gambling Commission, with a five-year term starting on 30 September 2026. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy made the appointment. Evans will succeed interim chair Charles Counsell, who took the role after Marcus Boyle left in January 2025.